
Class^ ^73- 



Gopyiight^J' 



7^*^ 



COPyRIGHT DEPOStr. 



THE LiSRARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Copies Received 

MAR. 28 1901 

Copyright entry 

CLASS CLxXc. N«. 

COPY B. 



COPYRIGHT 

BY C. BANCROFT GILLESPIE 

I9OI 



Illustrated 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON 



ISSUED IN CONJUNCTION WITH AND UNDER AUSPICES OF 

THE SOUTH BOSTON CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION 



COMPRISING 

AN HISTORIC RECORD AND PICTORIAL DESCRIPTION 
OF THE DISTRICT, PAST AND PRESENT 

COMPILED BY 

C. BANCROFT GILLESPIE 



u 



1$ 



CONTENTS 

Authentic Outline History; Early Scenes and Landmarks; Churches 
Schools; Institutions; Noted Early and Present Residents, with 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches ; Business and Pro- 
fessional Men; Manufacturing and Trade; South 
Boston in its Most Favora]5le Aspect at 
Beginning of Twentieth Century. 

ojiPilE&BVT P.ROSBKtT;s,, , ",> ' 



:f$- 



SOUTH BOSTON: 

mC^UIRER PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1900 






(^ 




NKW DORCHESTER HEIGHTS MONUMENT 
KKI'l-.TCAIINC. IIIK KKKCTION OK A Mt- iCAN FORTIFICATIONS THAT I'OKCK.II KKl 
KVACUATK BOSTON, MVKCIl I 7, 1775- 



SOUTH BOSTON 



A SKETCH of the EARLY PERIOD of ITS HISTORY 



FROM the counties of Devon, Dorset, 
and Somerset in England, came in 
1630 a sturdy set of people to seek 
their future home on tliis side of the At- 
lantic. Long preparation had been made 
for this voyage, and after many discour- 
agements, incidental to a journey of this 
kind in those early years of the history of 
this continent, their hopes were at last 
partly gratified, when they set sail on the 
20th of March in the ship " Mary and 
John." They were nearly sixty days on 
the deep. The coast of Massachusetts 
came to view on May 29, 1630. By an 
agreement with the captain of the above 
vessel, their place of landing was to be on 
the banks of the Charles River, but doubt- 
less, for some good reason, they touched 
the soil of the new country at Nantasket 
point. Three days after this, in coming 
up the old harbor, they sighted the pen- 
insula, now known as South Boston, and 
pronounced it a good place for the pas- 
turage of cattle. They erected, however, 
their tents and cabins in the locality now 
known as Dorchester, formerly called Mat- 
tapan, and recognized the adjoining pen- 
insula as Mattapannock. Had Dorches- 
ter bay answered the commercial interests 
of these early settlers, there is good reason 
to believe, that Shawmut, the former name 
of Boston would never have superseded 
the other advantages of Dorchester. Soon 
after their arrival at this s]DOt, not a few 
removed to the locality of Boston. Dor- 
chester likewise owes a debt to South 
Boston, for it was the attractive pasturage 
of the latter, that induced these adven- 
turers from the old country to make their 
first landing spot in this locality. They 
undoubtedly would soon have abandoned 
it, had not the advantages of the penin- 



sular district appealed to them strongly 
in this direction. 

These settlers toiled hard and long to 
make the rough places habitable. Trees 
were felled, soil was broken, and the 
Indians took unkindly to their appear- 
ance. Their hardships were increased 
by unfordable tidewater rivers and wet 
meadows. Everything appeared to be 
against them. The lesson of their en- 
durance looms up before us, as a precious 
legacy of their bravery, and their deter- 



iMli 

"■■II nil 1L, 



rJ^-^ 



WHERE THE FIRST SERVICES OF THE PHILLIPS 
CHURCH WERE HEI.U. 

mination to succeed. When threatened 
with hunger. Captain Clap tells us, 
" When I could have meal and water and 
salt boiled together, it was so good, who 
could wish better ? And it was not ac^- 
counted a strange thing in these days to 
drink water, and to eat Samp or Hominy 
without Butter or Milk. Indeed it would 
have been a strange thing to see a piece 
of roast beef, mutton, or veal, though 
it was not long before there was roast 
goat." 

In 1 63 1 there was not a loaf of bread 
in anybody's house but the governor's. 
But there was no despair. Through the 




V POINT IN 1749. 
I.CMNKl) liY FRANCIS E. BLAKE. 



(4) 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



request of the governor, Ireland was 
appealed to for a supply of food. A 
ship, known as the " Lion " brought over 
a good supply of provisions, and there 
was rejoicing everywhere. Care, fore- 
sight, wisdom in the details of managing 
the colony were rewarded. The next few 
years improvements appeared on every 
hand. Ships kept coming. New pros- 
pects kept opening. With the Rev. 
Richard Mather, who chose the lot of 
these colonists of Dorchester, came in the 
same ship with him, in the year 1635, one 
hundred passengers, twenty-three seamen, 
twenty-three cows and heifers, three 



grass, its hills and meadows, its large and 
shady trees, and here and there scattered 
over the fields the cattle, standing and 
watching their turn at the closing of the 
day, to be taken back along that pathway, 
that so conspicuously marked the approach 
to the Neck, as it was commonly called 
in those days. Laws and regulations 
were introduced for the preservation of 
the pasturage, and in 1639 no swine 
could be kept at the great Neck. Every 
precaution was taken to keep up the 
appearance of the peninsula, and at a 
regular town meeting in 1657, it was 
ordered that the " proprietors of the Neck 



MAP OK SOUTH BOSTON, DRAWN BY BRITISH OFFICER IN 

( Gcucyally considered huorrcct.) 



774- 




sucking calves, and eight mares. These 
were all pastured in South Boston. 

Everyone had a right, up to 1637, to 
use the peninsular district for their live 
stock. A time came for some distinction 
to be made. This was rendered necessary 
for obvious reasons. The town records 
of Dorchester give the names of those 
persons who were entitled to this privi- 
lege. Among them, with many others, 
appear the names of William lilake, Ber- 
nard Capen, Roger Clap, Widow Foster, 
Christopher Gibson, Richard Hawes, 
George Minot and George Proctor. 

Beautiful indeed was the South Boston 
of those days, with its rich growth of 



be requested to repair the fence and 
causeway, and in default of so doing, they 
be prosecuted under the law in regard to 
roads and fences." 

The time came for the Neck to be 
settled. Captain Hopestill Foster, who 
died in 1676, owned a large lot of land, 
known as Leek hill, near the present 
junction of Second and Dorchester streets. 
This eminence was fortified by the Ameri- 
cans during the Revolutionary war. His 
son came over to live at the Neck some- 
where near 1674. Besides other property 
owned by this Englishman, who came 
over in 1635, may be mentioned the 
" quarry " near the corner of E and Bowen 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



streets. This yielded a good profit 
in its day. Many of the gravestones in 
the old burying ground at Dorchester 
were prepared here. A boat also plied 
between Boston and Charlestown and the 
Neck laden with the stone from this quarry. 
This industry was well known. It is 
probable that the first house erected in 
South Boston was on the site occupied in 
later years by the E Street Congrega- 
tional Church. Captain Foster set apart 
a lot in 1676 to be used for the erection 
of a meeting house. This was never 
carried out. His son, James Foster, in- 
herited lands which are now occupied by 
seven religious buildings. The Blake 
house, the property of Deacon James 




FIRST BAPTIST MEK'riNd HOUSE. 

CORNER RROADWAY AND C STREET. 

Blake, at the point, was not erected until 
1680, and this was doubtless the second 
dwelling house, and not the first as often 
supposed. Mr. Abraham Gould, through 
marriage, inherited a large portion of the 
Foster estate. 

Thirty-six acres lying between Dor- 
chester, Third, Old Harbour and G streets 
belonged to Oliver Wiswell. He lived on 
Fourth street, neartlu' ISircl school house, 
and plied ihe trade of cnwl winder. Dor- 
chester Heights were owned by Messrs. 
Wiswell and Bird, and before 1800 no 
families lived in this locality, except those 
represented by these names. The Bird 
brothers in 1677 purchased of Samuel 
Farnsworth eighteen acres of land upon 
the Neck for fifty-five pounds. Thomas 



Bird purchased the rights of his other 
brothers a few years later, and his son 
Benjamin inherited his propert}', and 
other lands acquired by himself, in all 
thirty acres, which were bounded by the 
old road, or Emerson street on the north, 
and Old Harbor on the south, running 
from G to I street. The house erected, 
together with others, was afterwards 
destroyed by the British in 1776. 

Twenty-four acres of ploughed land on 
the Neck fell through inheritance to Cap- 
tain John Withington. In all probability, 
upon his marriage, he built a house upon 
his land. In 1690 he was living there, 
and being of adventuresome spirit, he, 
with others, undertook an expedition 
under Sir William Phips against Quebec. 
It was not a success. No one ever re- 
turned to tell of his fate. After his 
relatives had waited four years to get 
some tidings of his whereabouts, and 
failed, it was decided that his death was 
no longer to be doubted, and an inventory 
of his estate would be made. This is in- 
teresting, for it is the earliest record of 
its kind. A dwelling house and barn, to- 
gether with forty-nine acres of land 
adjoining, is mentioned, and valued at 
£2,11- He owned also thirteen acres of 
land, and the same number in the salt 
marsh and meadows, making twenty-six 
in all. This did not include seventy 
acres of woodland, which is set down 
at £(>G. 

He was, apparently, a land owner of 
recognized prominence in his time. His 
estate was on the south side of the road 
to Fort Independence. (This was re- 
ferred to in those days as Castle William, 
which was built in 1633.) 

This road to the castle took the line of 
the present Dorchester street to Emerson, 
then passed into Fourth street unto the 
shore. His house stood somewhere be- 
tween I and R streets, near Sixth street, 
but the property went as far as Old 
I larbor on the south. 

West of K street the road to Powwow 
point was found, and this allowed an en- 
trance to the large estate. The house 
had a garden in front, with a well near 
by, ancl in the background was a large 
orchard. Richard, the son of the captain, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 

came anally into the possessioii of tiiis estate. T 
property, and his sijq, Ht^iestilL made j^^ i:;s_ i: 
many improvefflenis in jz. Tfae Britisli Husking: ' 
soldiers per tfae torcli to it in ?--^6 P^rt o-nrred soc 
o£ t hi s pro pen V was I'r '' ■ - tse. A^ 

by tfae Rev. To rm K -,ion. In v 

hocLse ur- - --—--. -__- - 

known if- 

Ricfa:ir- -: ., 

at tfae Xeck m looo. He orten sent his to Cr 

boH to feed upon the —e— - z-ri^-L —here ^^ 

now stands a 5choo" , -^ . 

His propenv was m?: 7- , , - - 

was after - _ : 

Tones. T: - 

Ebenezer. .__-^ .-__ .:^-_ __. „ - . ^_„^_ 

f arnu and was a qoiet nM^ffensive persoc. rur^ k was 



9 
il cost 




^•-"■CTE =«:•$-■ 



His humility markeii irseZf 
bors^ and his caT«?- in the i-; 




tJie cistlc. 
aEd K. srr ; . ■ 
The hocse 
the rrar: -^h 
it. 
The 



r fooc of K <cn^x- ar 



The pej 
revealed : 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



he courted and won the hand of Captain 
John Withington's widow, and hved ni 
her dweUing for many years. Before he 
died, he sold to James Blake a house 
and barn with seventeen acres of land, 
located on the northern side of the Neck, 
between M and N streets, which after- 
wards became known as the property of 
the city. East of Independence square 
in this neighborhood was the site of the 
dwelling. Oliver Wiswell, Jr., in 1738, 



way leading to the castle, being about six 
and thirty acres," said Mr. James Blake, 
in his will, who died in 1700. "I give 
to my son James, and all my land at 
Dorchester Neck adjoining his house that 
he dwells in." This house was the second 
one erected at the Neck. It was located 
at the extreme end, near the southeastern 
corner of Broadway and P street. The 
house of Mr. Foster was a mile distant. 
Such a site for a dwelling had an un- 



f 






rnr 



^^^'■ 




iSci, SHOWING PERKINS INSTITU' 



became the owner of the pi'i 
seven acres additional, 'i'he 
not \'er_\- sul)slantial, and wa^ 
£1 14s. The barn was aflei 
troyed. l)ul nothing detinite i; 
the fate of the house. l*n 



with 



)pei 
house was 
taxed for 

wards des- 
known of 

)bablv the 



British soldiers spared it for their own 
use. Eventually, this whole estate was 
owned by the city and public buildings 
were erected here in later \ears. 

" All mv lands on both sides of the 



obstructed view of the iiarlx)]-. and was 
little fie(|uented, except by a few neigh- 
bors and the soldiers, whose duties called 
them to ("astle William. Along the main 
road, which was Dorchester street to 
Emerson, thence into Fourth, and then on 
to the shore, passed either to mill or 
meeting, Deacon Blake, as he was often 
called. He was well-known and highly 
respected. Not only did he till the 
ground, but he was an " all round man," 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



II 



and often consulted upon matters bearing 
upon the welfare of the town and country, 
and for nearly fifty years went in and out 
among his neighbors, as a wise coun- 
sellor and an upright townsman. He 
sleeps in the old cemetery in Dorchester. 
;^43 were paid at his funeral for crape 
"siprus, handkerchiefs, hatband crape 
silk, qually binding, etc." 

His son James acquired through in- 
heritance and purchase, the house and 
property on the road to Castle William, 
comprising forty-four acres. This was 
improved during 
the lifetime of Mr. 
Blake by a n e w 
dwelling and barn. 
He made a popular 
public servant. As 
town clerk, for 
twenty - four years, 
he rendered admir- 
able assistance in 
keeping the rec- 
ords, which show 
care and faithful- 
ness, and it is evi- 
dent that his liv- 
ing so far from the 
centre of the town 
did not in any way 
detract from h i s 
popularity and use- 
fulness as a town 
ofificer. The presi- 
dent of Harvard 
college consulted 
him about the lands 
at the Neck, and 
he was a recognized 
authority upon this 

matter, and his services were often in 
demand as an executor, administrator, 
guardian, or compiler of public records. 
His death occurred in 1750. Samuel, his 
son, inherited all his property, but he died 
a few years after his father. Mrs. Patience 
Blake was left with nine children, and 
when the first school was started in 1762, 
she became the teacher. Mr. James 
Blake, the brother of Samuel, lived with 
her for many years. The British became 
troublesome, and in 1775 matters took 
the shape of warlike operations, and 



many people at the Neck removed -to safe 
quarters. When the son of Mr. James 
Blake was sent upon the mission of re- 
moving the window glass from the house, a 
shot from the fortopposite whizzed through 
the window in close proximity to where the 
young man was working. From this, he 
took the hint that the Britishers were 
bound to trouble anyone who came to 
protect their property. This house was 
burned, February 13, 1776. The family, 
from a slight elevation in Dorchester, 
afterwards saw the old homestead made 




OLD SUFFOLK GLASS WORKS 



1849. 



a prey to the fiames. in 17.S4 a larger 
house was erected, and the property re- 
mained in the hands of the Blake family 
till 1866. Upon the original portion of 
the Blake estate, Mr. Adam Bent built a 
house near the corner of Q and Fourth 
streets in or near the year 18 10. 

The few inhabitants of the peninsula 
in those days, did nothing, comparatively 
speaking, to warrant the unmerciful and 
cruel raids perpetrated by the British sol- 
diers, and it is much to their credit that 
they maintained their courage. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



DORCHESTER HEIGHTS. 

A map of the Revolutionary War, in 
representing tiie Neck, would give two 
hills, East and West hills, Twin hills as 
they were commonly called. Foster's 
hill was to the extreme west. Upon this 
spot now stands the Lawrence school and 
accepted as the place to mark the evacu- 
ation of Boston by the British troops. 
Independence square was called Bush 
Tree hill. Leek hill was at the north of 
Dorchester-street, on the water side. The 
extreme eastern hill was known as the 
Battery. 

The British conspicuously blundered 



The Heights were fortified in March, 1776, 
by the request of General Washington. 
Action like this rendered the British ner- 
vous, as their troops were in Boston. 
The Americans made a sharp and deci- 
sive move. England was watching, and 
pronounced it to be this. Lieutenant 
Leslie went with a detachment from 
Castle William, and his instructions were 
to destroy every house and barn on the 
Neck. Six of the American guards were 
taken prisoner, besides an old man. Six 
dwellings out of eleven, and ten barns 
and shops, or sheds, were burned. 

Matters were getting warmer for a closer 
contact. General Washington had his 




-=*^te«i IC- 



RESIDENCE OF NOAH BROOKS, IN 1825. 



in not taking possession of Dorchester 
Heights. When the twelve families were 
forced to leave their dwellings upon the 
Neck, they did so for the reason that they 
thought all along this spot would ha\e 
been seized and fortified by the Britisii. 
The only road leading from the Neck to 
Dorchester was often Hooded at high tide, 
and to be caught in the peninsular district 
by the tide, and by the tyranny and op- 
pression of the British soldiers was not 
very appetizing to the Yankee of those 
days. Consequently, in 1775, South 
Boston was deserted. The Americans 
were wise where the British were foolish. 



eye upon fortifying Dorchester Heights. 
From Cambridge, shot and shell fell upon 
the British in Boston, and heavy firing 
was kept up by both sides. 

( )n ISIarch 4, active preparations were 
under way. In silence, with not a word 
above a whisper, passed two thousand 
Americans, covered by a party of eight 
hundred not far away, up to Dorchester 
Heights. The night was favorable. The 
stars in their courses were fighting against 
the British. Even the moon, later on, 
crept silently over the horizon, and sent 
her silvery rays over the bended forms of 
laborers, farmers, soldiers, working with 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



13 




A.] ( hK S lk()\ hoi \l 



a will to make Dorchester Heights as for- 
midable as possible. The well-known 
engineer of Bunker Hill, Colonel Richard 
Gridley was there, superintending the de- 
tails of the work. Night wore away, 
amid the continued flash and booming of 
cannon in the distance. With reso- 
lute hearts, the 
Americans wel- 
comed the dawn 
with two strong for- 
tifications. Their 
work had brought 
forth fruit. 

General Howe 
ate his breakfast 
March 5 with little 
relish. South Bos- 
ton had during the 
night become ag- 
gressive with 
American enter- 
prise. The Twin 
hills stared the 
British general with 
eyes of vengeance. 
No w o n d e r his 
heart failed, for 
when he saw the 
forts he exclaimed. 



" I know not what I shall do ! The rebels 
have done more in one night than my 
whole army would have done in a month." 
" Drive the Americans from Dorchester 
Heights," this was the thought that 
rankled in his breast. The Americans 
saw events were hourly becoming more 




NTERIOR OF ALGER's IRON FOUNDRY IN 1S50. 
CASTING 25,000 roi'ND CANNON. 



14 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



serious. Washington went in and out 
among the soldiers, saying " Remember 
it is the fifth of March, and avenge the 
death of your brethren." Over a hun- 
dred years after this, a similar cry " Re- 
member the Maine," went reverberating 
through this land. Both cries meant 
action. A violent storm beat upon the 
British troops embarking for the castle. 
Rain came down in sheets. Plan after 
plan was intercepted. The secluded 
Americans added piece to piece on the 
Heights. Their courage grew stronger, 
and the fortifications were frowning upon 
the enemy. The news got abroad that 
General Howe would not attempt any 



the only persons who lost their lives in 
Mattanpannock during this exciting 
interval. 

In all eight hundred shot were heard 
from the American side on March lo, 
which was Svmday. The action became 
demonstrative. Americans were over 
eager to make a more decisive opposition. 
The suspense was trying, and \^'ashington 
was careful to save life, as well as to 
watch the hesitation of General Howe 
about evacuating the city. Hook's hill 
was more strongly fortified. There the 
mouths of the cannons were opened upon 
the very centre of the town. Noddle's 
Island was about to be crowned with 





TABLET PLACED ON LAWRENCE SCHOOL BY SONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 



attack. The Tories were crazed at the 
announcement of this decision and they 
beat a hasty retreat. Even his soldiers 
took advantage of this, and went to plun- 
dering the houses of Boston. South Bos- 
ton had terrorized British Boston. Boston 
must be destroyed, yelled the Americans, 
and they meant it. Batteries were placed 
upon Leak and Bird's hill, and these 
turned among the fieet in the harbor, if 
necessary. When the British saw a bat- 
tery on Hook's hill, their fear increased, 
and they poured their shot from the 
' Green Store battery in it. On this hill 
four soldiers and a surgeon were killed, 

I This was located at tlie corner of Wasliiiistoii and 
Dover streets. 



guns. On March 17. 1776, the arm)- of 
General Howe took the strong hint that 
had been given them for over a week. They 
left the wharves of Boston and eyed, as 
they sailed down the harbor, the silent 
fortifications that would have effectively 
answered any sort of opposition. England 
felt crestfallen at the departure of her 
troops. The beginning of the reverses 
had started, and other events were to 
follow in the wake of this one, which 
would proclaim for c\cr American inde- 
pendence. 

To South Boston, as a locality, belongs 
rightly the honor of efl^ectively dislodging 
the British from their stronghold in Bos- 
ton. The event 1)\- itself did more to 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



15 




01 n SI M\i iHi-w's IN 1818 

BRt)\I)\\\\ BPlWIfN I) \NI) E STREI 




ULU ST. I'ETEK AM) ST. PAILS. 
BEFORE BEING DESTROYED BY FIRE. 








SOUTH BOSTON M. E. CHURCH IN I S40. 
D STREET BETWEEN I'OIRIH AND BROADWAY. 




)l III BMUST CHURCH, FOUNDED I S30. 
I k()\D\\ \Y AND C STREET. 




HAWES PLACE CIIURCU, KKKCIED 1S5;,. BROADWAY AND A SIREE' 

A GROUP OF EARLY C:HURCHES. 



i6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



restore confidence in the justice of the 
American side than anything else. After 
it things did take a turn, and the dawn 
of independence was breaking. 

There is always a little fun lurking 
around a serious moment, and the Ameri- 
cans, though tired, and oppressed some- 
what by their responsibilities, did not for- 
get that an occasional joke would help to 
keep up their spirits. Upon the night 
of the proposed attack by the British, the 
sentinels became weary with constant 
watchings, and desiring to shelter them- 
selves from the raging storm, beating 
heavily upon them, sought cover under a 



The excitement was over in a moment. 
When the secret was explained, every one 
went back to sleeping quarters, feeling at 
the same time, that the joke was too good 
to be forgotten for many a day. 

\\'hen the tea was thrown over board, 
some of it came ashore at South Boston. 
There was a good-natured man doing the 
chores for an aged woman named Mrs. 
Foster; she was a strong-minded Ameri- 
can. He could not resist the temptation 
of collecting this tea and storing it in this 
woman's farm. Many a time he at- 
tempted to make a cup of tea out of it, 
but Mrs. Foster would read the riot act 




neighboring pile of wood. Poor fellows, 
they were so tired, that sleep came to 
them in a instant. Some good-natured 
soldier nearby took in the situation in a 
glance, and getting together as quietly as 
possible a barrel, filled it with stones. 
and sent it rolling down the hill, in the 
direction of the sleepers. With a bound 
and a leap the barrel rolled along, and 
then, ultimately, dashed itself against tlic 
pile of boards. In every direction the 
boards tiew. The sentinels were awakened 
by the noise, and not stopping to examine 
the cause, at once fired their guns, and 
aroused the whole camp. livery eye 
was opened, but wliere was the enenu' ? 



to him, and uphold the glories of being 
a Whig, with now and then a deep thrust 
at the Tories. The tea was never used, 
for her eloquence did avail, and the hired 
man, though he liked a cup of tea, yet 
could not overcome the feeling that the 
l)everage might turn him into a 'J'ory. 

1 )orchester Heights is to-day marked 
b\- a monument, which will forever im- 
])iess this great achievement of driving 
tile enemy from Boston upon [he mind 
of future generations. The monument, 
by itself, is a noble tribute to these 
sturdy and \aliant Americans, but near- 
l)v is a structure standing for higher edu- 
cation, one of the great blessings of the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



17 



American liberty, which this victory 
helped to make way for. This spot will 
be sacred with a priceless heritage that 
every true American will be proud of 
and ever grateful for. 

EVENTS FROM 1776 ONWARDS. 

No growth to any gratifying extent 
took place from 1776 to 1806 in this 
locality. The school and the church 
were still on the other side of the cause- 
way. As early as 1 761 a grant of twenty 
dollars was allowed Dorchester Neck by 
the town of Dorchester for the support 
of a school. The amount was afterwards 



No large sailing boat could go between 
South Boston and Boston. In 1796, a 
company was incorporated for the pur- 
pose of constructing a canal to Roxbury. 
This was a movement, which would 
eventually result in other enterprises. 
Besides being a business matter, it paved 
the way for closer and more convenient 
approaches between the various towns, 
already growing in population, and add- 
ing materially to their wealth. Boston 
and Dorchester were separated by water 
and there was no communication be- 
tween them, except by boats or through 
Roxbur)'. 

When the more progressive towns- 





^^K^^SSf"*' 


- - " - 




E 


^^^- ^ n 


k'-' 








I 


^^^^^^5 


^ 


.^1 


^^^^^^ 


.•.%^i 



DORCHESTER HEIGHTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY, 
LOOKING FROM BOSTON COMMON. 



increased to thirty dollars, and even this, 
was an insufficient sum for so worthy an 
object. The causeway was a source of 
vexation to the dwellers at the Neck, for 
at high tide, it was rendered impassable. 
When this happened on Sundays, it inter- 
fered with the good intentions of those 
who desired to "attend meeting." 

Smallpox made its appearance and 
greatly alarmed the people. Inoculation 
was introduced with much opposition. 
In 1792, a hospital for those who were 
inoculated was located at the peninsula, 
and was placed under the charge of 
Dr. Phinehas Allen. The house of Mr. 
Jonathan Bird was used as a hospital 
for this purpose. 



people began to agitate the matter of 
annexation of the Neck to Boston, it was 
not received with favor by many of the 
people of Dorchester. There was a 
Puritanical slowness apparent. Old men 
ran their fingers through their silvery 
locks, and pulled at their long beards 
with a doubtful look written over their 
faces. Meeting after meeting took place, 
and warm disputes followed, with nothing 
definite in view. It was believed that 
the annexation would end in the build- 
ing of a bridge. Mr. William Tudor, a 
man of prominence and influence urged 
the annexation. Dorchester people made 
themselves believe that they had a pecu- 
liar right upon Mattapanock. Money 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



sometimes changes people's opinions. 
Twenty thousand dollars were offered 
Dorchester people not to oppose the bill 
before the legislature. They refused it 
and, sad for them, the legislature passed 
the bill March 6, 1804, and they lost their 
case, as well as the above pecuniary con- 
sideration. Land at the Neck was worth 
forty dollars an acre in 1803, it sold in 
1805 from $400 to $500 an acre. People 
now, who owned property, began to see 
good times before them. Mr. Abraham 
Gould was the largest property owner, 
and was taxed $170.23 yearly upon 
$27,000, and Jonathan Bird paid $97.85 
upon $15,400. Many neerled im]-)ro\-e- 



and boisterous time rang through its 
halls. The Twelfth Ward Hotel, not 
far away, at the corner of Fourth and 
Turnpike (Dorchester ave.) streets was 
another place of refreshment and ease. 
These buildings, with Mr. Gould's hou.se 
near the corner of Fourth and E streets, 
were the only brick buildings then on 
the peninsula. 

With all the energy, and attractive- 
ness, which these men put into their 
business, there was not patronage enough 
to guarantee success and the hotel busi- 
ness sank into insignificance five years 
afterwards. 

Row boats were used to carry passen- 



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''37= 






T.^iS^? 



SHIPBUILDING AT LEEK HILL, FOOT OF DORCHESTER STREET. 



ments came with this boom in real estate, 
and a bridge was authorized by the same 
act, annexing the Neck lands to Boston. 

When South Boston yielded up its 
independence, it contained about six hun- 
dred acres of upland, and nineteen per- 
sons paid poll tax. 

Everyone now had an eye for business. 
Mr. William Tudor was keeping up his 
portion of the interest and erected a large 
block of brick buildings at the corner of 
Broadway and A street. Mr. Murjjhy 
swung out a large golden ball outside of 
a public house, known then as the 
South Boston Hotel. It was a famil- 
iar sign in those days, and many a good 



gers from Windmill Point to the foot of 
B street, and from Rainsford's lane to the 
foot of Fourth street. There was some 
talk of changing this crude means of 
communication and a bridge from Wind- 
mill Point to the Neck was' spoken of. 
This led to a controversy about the loca- 
tion of a bridge, which for the space of 
twenty-five years was more or less dis- 
cussed. Editors of newspapers waxed 
warm in defence of their respective sides. 
Governor Strong, in signing the bill 
incorporating the proprietors of the 
Boston South bridge, gave impetus to a 
movement wiiich resulted finally in the 
erection of a bridge, which was com- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



19 



pleted July, 1805. It cost $56,000. 
Although there was a great demonstra- 
tion, when it was open, it was not what 
all the people in South Boston wanted. 
Many pressed their plea for a bridge from 
Wheeler's Point and great was the 
enthusiasm over it. 

Faneuil Hall was filled February 4, 
1805, where a town meeting was held. 
So deep was the interest, that a larger 
place for the hundreds interested, was 
chosen, and the Universalist church was 
hired. Here at this gathering, the bridge 
controversy was spirited and lengthy. 
Those who were in favor of a bridge 
from Wheeler's Point to South Boston 



of Representatives. Thus the subject, 
which was at one time upon the eve 
of settlement at another went back into 
its resting place, until the best citizens 
were discouraged. In 1823, the subject 
came up again and a free bridge from 
Wheeler's Point to South Boston was 
agitated. It hung fire for a long time. 
Politics now entered into the subject. 
" Is he in favor of the bridge ? " was one 
of the crucial questions asked of the 
political aspirant. Children talked about 
it, women buzzed it into the ears of their 
neighbors, clergymen found room for it 
in their sermons and the corridors of 
the State House were noisy with the 




DOWN LKEK HILL. 



gained their point, but they had more 
difficulties ahead of them. It was when 
they came in contact with the General 
Court, where their opponents w^ere in 
authority. It was agreed that the matter 
for a time should be dropped, enthusiasm 
cooled down and it was not till January, 
1807, when the slumbering fire of con- 
troversy was again poked up. Many 
strange repulsive sides of the force of 
argument showed themselves. The Old 
South church rang with the cries of men, 
who demanded to be heard. Cat yells, 
shrieks, and applause drowned the voice 
of the speakers. When the Senate 
agreed to a proposition for a new bridge, 
it was afterwards blocked in the House 



disputes. When a bill authorizing the 
building of the North Free bridge was 
passed, it was a seasonable relief, and 
both sides were glad some sort of a 
decision was reached. The South bridge 
became city property in a deed bearing 
the date April 19, 1832, and was after- 
wards known as the Dover Street bridge. 
The North Free bridge was, in 1856, 
known as the Federal Street bridge. 
When the railroads made their appear- 
ance, the Old Colony bridge as well as 
the Evan's railroad bridge and Boston 
and N. Y. Central R.R. bridge changed 
the old appearance of South Boston, and 
marked a new era of growth along com- 
mercial lines. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



THE WAR OF 1812. 

When the rumor of war was again 
heard in the land, South Boston put on 
its defensive armor. Dorchester Heights 
was made more formidable, a new powder 
house was erected, and cannons were 
placed at the extreme eastern point. 
This war with England aroused the 
dwellers in the peninsula. Patriotism, 
that for a short term of years was luke- 
warm, now rose to the exciting point. 
Wooden barracks were put up in a large 
field lying north of Broadway, between 



soldiers amused themselves in their 
pranks and games, but, after several 
months' service, nothing developed to 
warrant the defensive attitude, which the 
district prepared for, and the troops broke 
ranks. It was not till i860, that another 
demonstration in the time of the civil 
war was made. 

EARLY EXECUTIONS. 

Pirates at the beginning of the nine- 
teenth century were reckoned, as a class, 
deserving of hanging. In 18 13, Samuel 




DORCHESTER HEKiHTS IX 



840, SllOWIN 
" HARRISON 



; TEMPORARV 
DAY." 



ARCH ERECTED FOR 



D and Dorchester streets. 'J\vice a day, 
the militia were drilled in the wide open 
fields where there were few, if any houses. 
Captain McNeil had a recruiting office 
at A street and Broadway. He was a 
jolly, enthusiastic patriot. Here many a 
young man enlisted, and was quartered 
till sent to other parts of the country. 
Guards patrolled the beach and shadowed 
every suspicious looking character. No 
one was allowed to leave the peninsula 
by night. A sentinel on the heights kept 
strict watch upon the sailing craft in the 
harbor, and many false alarms were given 
of the approach of the enemy. The 



Tully, and John Dalton were convicted 
and sentenced to be hanged at the foot 
off Nooks Hill, corner of C and Third 
streets. First came the deputy marshal 
on horseback, bearing a silver oar, in this 
procession from Charlestown state prison, 
then a carriage containing the officers of 
the state prison, and the marshal and 
sheriff of Suffolk county. The crimi- 
nals followed in a cart, covered in black. 
They had their hands tied behind their 
backs, and wore white caps. From each 
side of the cart, their coftins could be seen. 
The chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Collier 
was in attendance and at the end of the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



procession, came the deputy marshals. 
It was a never to be forgotten sight. 
People swarmed around the spot and the 
small boy with his little sister nudged 
and elbowed through the crowd to get a 
glimpse of the unique sight. Mothers 
with babes in arms, and fathers stood 
there in this awful hour of execution. 
TuUy, the pirate, often spoke to the crowd 
on the way, and upon arriving at the 
spot which he should mark with his life. 
he read a communication, in which a 
confession was made. The criminals 
kneeled, and the chaplain prayed. At a 
quarter past two o'clock the drop fell 
and Tully was no more on earth. He 
died without a struggle. His comrade 
was not executed for a respite from the 
President was read, and his sentence was 
changed to imprisonment for life. From 
his neck, the halter was removed, and a 
hat given him, which he wore instead of 
the white cap, and he was taken back to 
prison with the body of Tully. It is said 
that over ten thousand persons witnessed 
this sight. The day was bitter cold, and 
blustering, and many children were frost- 
bitten by the exposure to the weather. 

ROADS. 

The old roads in South Boston afford 
much interest, and the names given them 
would not be recognized in modern times. 
The main peninsula was called " The 
Great Neck " with its mouth near the 
present junction of Ninth and Dorchester 
streets. To the locality lying south and 
that known as Washington Village, the 
name of Little Neck was given. 
Everyone in those days knew the way to 
the Castle, for this was the main road. 
Over this, were carried provisions to the 
fort, called Fort Independence as early 
as 1797. Before this, it went by the 
name of Castle William, which was built 
in 1634. One of the interesting details 
in the records of Dorchester, is this: 
" For carrying Caj^tayne Davenport's 
Corne to the further end of the Neck 

IS 6dr 

This main road of tratfic was along the 
line of the present Dorchester street to 
Emerson street. Afterwards it passed in- 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



23 



to Fourth street, and then on to the shore. 
From this road, by-paths were made in 
a variety of directions, one going towards 
a meadow, another going in the direction 
of a dweUing house. People talked of 
" Going to the Nook," meaning Nook's 
lane, which was a small path leaving the 
main road, somewhere near the corner of 
Seventh and Dorchester streets, and then 
took the northern direction towards the 
well-known hill, where the present Law- 
rence school stands. One could also 
take this road and not be far from Mr. 
Foster's house, which was in the vicinity 
of the present Grand Army hall on E 
street. There was the way " to the 
marshes " to " Powwow Point " and to 



playing a conspicuous part in its early 
defences. 

The Twin Hills on Dorchester Heights, 
known as the East and West Hills, no 
longer can claim this distinction. 
Change upon change has been made, so 
that it would appear as if the present site 
of Dorchester Heights were one large 
eminence. This is no true representa- 
tion of its early existence. The two hills of 
Dorchester Heights were seen for miles 
around, and were admirably adapted 
for the purpose which they served so 
well in revolutionary times. 

Foster's Hill or Nook's Hill as it was 
better known, is no longer to be seen. 
Some people called it " Fox Hill." Its 



fi 



<ii n f, s 



%SS' "-'^"^^^^ ^ ^^^f. 



OLD FULTON IRON FOUNl)R\", FOKMKRLV ON DORCHESTER AVENUE. 



the " beach " ; but the best known roads, 
those which served the community for 
over one hundred years, were held to be 
the way to the Castle, to the Nook, and 
the way to Powwow Point. Every one 
guided their direction by these three 
points, and if any chanced to be lost, it 
was by seeking one of these well-known 
paths, that they were able to determine, 
where they were. The other paths were 
somewhat confusing, and were made, 
oftentimes, by the people whose house 
and barn were located nearby. 

South Boston in the early period of its 
history could boast of many hills. While 
not exact the locality of seven hills, which 
once rendered an ancient city famous, it 
was a spot, where this number of hills 
could be counted, and not a few of them 



location is now determined by the Law- 
rence school. 

Independence square was known as 
Bush Tree Hill. It has very little of its 
former prominence and its present posi- 
tion conveys nothing of the formidable 
aspect which it once enjoyed. Leek 
Hill at the north end of Dorchester street 
and Battery Hill at the Point have all 
passed away. 

The elm, buttonwood, and poplar 
trees, together with the orchards here and 
there dotted over the farms, have yielded 
to the ravages of change. These once 
graced the sides of the hills, and over 
the landscape, broke the monotony of the 
bare look of undulating fields and plains. 
The ponds helped to keep the rural 
scenery true to nature's eye for beauty. 



24 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and those that once charmed the lover 
of sport have gone out as the deeper 
march of civiHzation was heard. The 
old pond at the corner of Fourth and G 
streets, in the crisp air of winter, rung 
out oftentimes with the merry laughter of 
skaters, as the ones at K and Fifth, 
K and Third and D and Seventh 
streets made the boys and girls frantic 
with joy, as their hockey sticks once 
more had the freedom of these places to 
enjoy the best of winter sports. 

Swamps and creeks here and there 
marked many spots now filled in, and 
topped with large dwelling houses. 

As was mentioned above, South Boston 
was used by the early settlers, as a terri- 
tory for the pasturage of cattle. Assign- 




THE OLD HAWES SCHOOL IN 1 835. 

ments of land were made for this purpose. 
In 1633, for good reasons, i. e., keep- 
ing the cows and goats in certain local- 
ities, it was voted that a charge of two 
shillings be levied upon every animal. 
This in part paid for the incidental ex- 
penses of keeping certain fences in repair. 
One hundred and four persons possessed 
the privilege of pasturing their cattle 
upon the Neck, and about five hundred 
acres were then reckoned as the area of 
the territory. It is not definitely known 
how these grants of land were made. 
Certainly, the way that not a few of them 
are recorded, would lead to interminable 
difficulties in law. Of one party, this 
is the record " John Hoskeines, senior, to 
have 4 acres of medow in the Necke 
where the dogg was killed." Where this 



poor creature departed this life was well- 
known in his day, but to keep up such a 
trivial remembrance must have taxed the 
memories of those who came afterwards 
into possession of certain grants of land. 
Accuracy in location doubtless made its 
way after a time, but did not come about 
till many disputes rankled in the breasts 
of the owners. 

Restrictions after a time were made, 
and the rights of individual owners were 
protected by allowing so many cows to 
each owner, together with a limit placed 
upon yearlings, oxen, colts, calves, and 
kids. 

All this information is interesting to 
the student who is in search of details 
for knowing the exact manner in which 
the lands of the "Neck" M'ere assigned, 
but to the general reader there is little 
or nothing attractive about them. They, 
however, were very interesting in their 
day, and made no end of controversy. 

The attention given to the fortifica- 
tions of the Neck, beginning May 13, 
1776, indicate a continued interest in this 
matter. Many improvements were made 
in the placing of cannons and in the re- 
arrangement of the barracks, and the 
constant dread of a foreign foe was 
evidenced in the care and preparation 
always maintained at these formidable 
points. 

EARLY EDUCATION FACILITIES. 

The support of education in South 
Boston came through a series of struggles. 
The town of Dorchester at first appeared 
to neglect the rights of those who lived 
at the Neck. The paltry sum of £4 
was allowed on May 18, 1761, for this 
object, but this went only a little way 
towards meeting the expenses. The 
above sum was afterwards increased 
to ^6, but this was not a gratifying 
support. 

While a larger amount was asked for, 
the dwellers at the Neck were obliged to 
possess their souls in patience, and gave 
liberally out of their personal resovirces 
for the support of the little school, where 
their sons and daughters could receive 
the rudiments of education. 

Time would make desirable changes 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



25 



in this particular. When the Neck was 
annexed to Boston, the prospect of getting 
better facilities in the way of education 
increased, and the school committee of 
Boston were petitioned, in 1807, by 
Messrs. Joseph Woodward, Abraham 
Gould, and John Deluce. 

This petition reminded the selectmen 
of Boston, as well as the school com- 
mittee that the dwellers at the Neck paid 
now nearly a thousand dollars in taxes to 
Boston, and had been paying it for three 
years; and they considered it just and 
fair that their community should be 
recognized, and asked for a sum of money 
for the support of a woman's school and 
the rent of a room for that purpose for 
six months. They also asked for the 
building of a school house, and the sup- 
port of a school master for one year. 

No attention was paid to this petition. 
It was shelved by the selectmen and 
South Boston received the cold shoulder. 
The people in the district could not be 
so easily side tracked. The townspeople 
raised among themselves three hundred 
dollars, and the citizens of South Boston 
increased this amount by a generous 
donation of their own. A school house 
was erected on the south side of G street, 
the playground in front making the corner 
of G and Dorchester streets. This build- 
ing accommodated ninety scholars, and 
one woman taught them. A master was 
afterwards appointed. 

At last the school committee saw their 
mistake, and in 181 1, appropriated three 
hundred dollars, and took the school 
under their guidance. 

This was the beginning of greater 
things for education. Three years later 
on the three hundred dollars were 
increased to four hundred dollars, includ- 
ing five cords of wood. 

The boys of 1812, who attended this 
school as well as the girls, had visible 
reminders around them of the warlike 
appearance of the locality. They were 
as sensitive of the condition of the 
country, as the well-tried soldier. Every 
one knew the history of their country for 
the past twenty years. Father and 
mother would review it constantly in 
their own home, and zeal and enthu- 



siasm and patriotism were expressed by 
these young Americans. The first master 
was Mr. Zephaniah Wood, who was only 
twenty years of age. Besides being a 
teacher, he knew something about theol- 
ogy, and preached, without price, in the 
Hawes Place Congregational society. He 
died suddenly in 1822. His successor was 
the Rev. Lemuel Capen. In the mean- 
time, the appropriation for education 
was increased to $600, and South Boston 
was placed on an equal footing with other 
localities. In 1823, a new building was 
erected, which was called Hawes school 
house. It is situated on Broadway, 
between F and Dorchester streets. When 
this building was opened, a demonstra- 
tion of an unusual kind was made. The 




01 D FOURIH UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 
FORMFRI \ \1 COR OF BROADWA\ AND B b 1 RFET 

scholars marched in procession, and the 
people witnessed a sight which was 
the interest of the entire community. 
As they neared the school building, they 
were cheered. An address was delivered 
by the Rev. Mr. Pierpont. Before Mr. 
Capen resigned in 1826, a singing school 
was established and many other improve- 
ments were noticed. Mr. Barnum Field 
took charge the same year, and in 1829 
he was succeeded by Jairus Lincoln, who 
received a salary of one thousand dollars 
a year. Mr. Lincoln found his task of 
managing the boys a difficult one, and, at 
times, they seemed to be incorrigible; 
whipping was resorted to, but it did not 
have the desired effect. The boys took 
certain advantages, and nothing in the 
way of discipline came, until his resigna- 



26 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




tion, and the appointment 
of Mark Anthony DeWolfe 
Howe. This person after- 
wards became rector of St. 
Matthews church and later 
on, Bishop of Central Penn- 
sylvania. His term of ser- 
vice lasted till February 8, 
1 83 1. His successor, Mr. 
William P. Page had a series 
of trying experiences with the 
boys, who did e\erything to 
annoy him, and at last, dis- 
couraged at his own failure 
to quell the continued dis- 
turbance at the school, re- 
signed August 14, 1833. 

Mr. Moses W. Walker, who 
then took up the gauntlet of 
maintaining the discipline in 
the school, pursued the 
method of constant whip- 
ping. He did not spare the 
rod, and he made the bad 
boys sting with his punish- 
ments. One boy was wounded 
by his blows. The matter 
came before the school com- 
nrittee and it was the com- 
mon talk of the place. Mr. 
Walker gained his point, but 
his severity was displeasing 
to the parents and he con- 
cluded to resign, which he 
did January 14, 1834. 

The new master, Mr. 
Joseph Harrington, Jr. be- 
lie\ed, you could catch more 
Hies with a spoonful of honey 
than with a barrel of vinegar, 
and appealed to the scholars' 
sense of right and wrong. 
He was mainly successful 
and a new era opened for 
the school. Being a man of 
jMactical insight into the rela- 
tive conditions of things, he 
soon made an influence for 
himself and was able to over- 
come many of the ])ast acts 
of insubordination. This gen- 
tleman was the founder of 
the Hawes Juvenile Associa- 
tion, a society which exerted a 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



27 



helpful influence over the young, and was 
mainly instrumental in suggesting reforms 
in educational work. Hawes school be- 
came well and favorably known under his 
administration. It is interesting to note 
that the experiment of teaching music in 
grammar schools, was first made in this 
school, and was under the charge of Mr. 
Lowell Mason, a name which will be al- 
ways honored in Boston in this particular. 



Mr. Samuel Barrett succeeded Mr. 
Harris at the Hawes school. 

As soon as South Boston showed evi- 
dence of growth, and prosperity, renewed 
interest in the better provision for the 
education of the children was evident. 
The Hawes school could only accommo- 
date 468 pupils, and nearly one hundred 
more were forced to attend there. 
Immediate steps were taken to relieve 




INDEPENDENCE SOU ARE 



When Mr. Harrington resigned in July, 
1839 Mr. Frederick Crafts took his posi- 
tion and was afterwards transferred to 
the Bigelow school. Mr. John A. Harris, 
his successor, remained till August 1852. 
In the meantime, the Hawes school was 
divided into two sections. One section 
for boys, and another for girls. This 
division lasted till the completion of the 
Bigelow school on Fourth street, when 
the girls were placed there. 



this congestion. Franklin Hall, at the 
corner of Dorchester avenue and Fourth 
street, was hired, and $2,000 were allowed 
for this undertaking. Mr. Jonathan 
Battles, and Misses Lucy Floyd, and 
Lydia T. Brooks were the teachers. It 
was known as the " Branch school." 

This effort was destined after a while to 
result in something more than a tentative 
matter for the relief of the Hawes school. 
A new school building on Broadway 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



29 



between B and C streets was authorized 
to be erected. There were attempts to 
have it called the Everett school, or 
the Lowell school, but the name Mather 
school was popular and was accepted. 
In January, 1856 it was changed from 
Mather to Lawrence in honor of Amos 
Lawrence. The Lawrence Association 
of the Mather school was instituted in 
January, 1844. Mr. Lawrence was 
generous and considerate of the wants 
of the school, and donated a library to it. 
School accommodations became a seri- 



presented a clock, which was much ad- 
mired in those times, and became a 
recognized authority to the citizens of 
Ward 12. 

The school was composed entirely of 
girls. The first master was Mr. Fred- 
erick Crafts, who was succeeded in 1852, 
by Joseph Hale, whose widow for a long 
time resided in this locality and died a 
few years ago (1898). 

Branch schools were started at the 
Point, and at Washington Village. 

The Lawrence school was removed 




K STREET FROM FOURTH STREET, LOOKING TOWARD SEVEiNTH STREET. 



ous matter in 1849. Something must be 
done to obviate the condition of two 
crowded grammar schools, and it was 
a year before anything tangible was 
accomplished. On May 2, 1850, the 
Bigelow school house was dedicated. It 
was located on the corner of E and 
Fourth streets, the present site of the 
new building bearing that name. Mayor 
Bigelow made the address upon the open- 
ing, and a song sung by seventeen young 
ladies, added much to the significance of 
the occasion. The cost of the building 
was ^31,000 and the land was valued at 
$8,500. Mayor Bigelow kept up an in- 
terest in the building and its work, and 



from Broadway to the new^ building 
erected on the corner of Third and B 
streets, September 11, 1856. The cost 
was about $65,000. The building was 
dedicated March 17, 1857. The Rev. 
Charles S. Porter offered prayer, and 
addresses were made by the Hon. Alex- 
ander H. Rice, Mayor of Boston, the 
Hon. Josiah Quincy, Ex-Governor Bout- 
well and others. Josiah H. Stearns was 
the master, and the scholars numbered 
nearly eight hundred. 

Nothing has been said about primary 
schools, but the records are not clear 
about the exact establishment of them. 
Probably, they were placed in South 



HISTORY 




SOUTH BOSTON. 

Boston in 1S19. Mrs. Catharine Thayer 
taught such a school in 182 1. Strange 
things were in practice in these schools. 
Books were scarce and the principles 
of elementary education were neglected. 
Watt's Shorter Catechism was the dose 
of religious instruction. This by itself 
would create a smile among modern edu- 
cators. Somewhere near the corner of 
Dorchester and Third streets, a room 
was hired for this school, but it was 
never a strong center of education. Miss 
Cole taught the primary school on Fourth 
street, between B and C streets in 1S24. 
Private schools were popular. Mrs. 
Burrill founded one in 1835 for young 
ladies, which had a long and honored 
history. It was situated on Mt. Wash- 
ington, in the vicinity of the present 
Unitarian church. The Rev. Dr. E. M. 
P. Wells, had a school on Fourth street, 
5 at the Point, in a building which was 
X removed stone by stone from Joy street 
a in the city, and the Rev. Dr. J. H. Clinch 
X also conducted a fairly successful school 
* on Broadway, near G street. 

^ NEWSPAPER VENTURES. 

in 

^ Newspaper men have their trials like 

S every one else. The attempts to get a 
s local paper in South Boston were few 
X and far between. The " Galaxy " was a 
> good undertaking for the day, but it 
•^ was not popular. As soon as it was 
born, it began to fade, and died after 
two months. This did not discourage 
Mr. Albert J. Wright from making an 
attempt in 1847. The size of the new 
paper, called " The Gazette," was ten 
inches by twelve, and the subscription 
price was fifty cents a year. It was 
afterwards enlarged to four times its 
size, and under the name of the " South 
Boston Gazette," and 'T)orchester Chron- 
icle," it lived, comparatively speaking, a 
long life until 1856. Mr. Wright had 
before this, relinquished the charge of 
the " Gazette " and commenced the pub- 
lication of the " Mercury." But this new 
paper, which was born September 8, 
1855, went out of life August 16, 1856. 
In 1859 Mr. K. F. Barrett became in- 
terested in the " Mattapan Register," and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



31 



he afterwards called it " The South 
Boston Register." The Hon. Samuel 
H. Jenks was the editor of this paper 
and continued his services till 1863. It 
is doubtful, whether a copy of this paper 
is in existence. 

Nothing definite was done in this line 
until 187 1, and in the summer of that 
year, Mr. W. H. Fay started the " In- 
quirer." This paper passed through 
several hands, and was purchased from 
Mr. Fay by Charles L. Storrs in Septem- 
ber of the above year. In 1895 it was 
sold to Mr. Edward P. Barry, then assis- 
tant city editor of the Boston 
Herald, who made a pro- 
nounced success of it and has 
now turned it over to a stock 
company of which he is presi- 
dent. It is now the only recog- 
nized regularly published 
newspaper in South Boston. 

Other papers at different 
periods were put forth, but 
with no success. There were 
the " South Boston Gazette " 
under the charge of Charles 
D. Page ; the " South Boston 
Press " under Benjamin John- 
son ; '• The Heights " under 
the Rev. J. H. Wiggin, and 
" The Saturday Evening Star" 
edited by S. S. Miles and N. 
H. Harding. The " South 
Boston Bulletin," at one time 
an excellent compendium of 
news, suspended publication 
in 1899, after a service of 
ten years, its former quarters 
now being occupied by the 
Inquirer Publishing Company 
" South Boston News " has 
fifteen years. 

EARLY INCIDENTS. 

As one looks back over the early 
records of Mattapanock, there are sev- 
eral scattered incidents here and there, 
which although not of great importance, 
bear in an interesting manner upon its 
growth and development. The Indians 
must have enjoyed this spot. Powwow 
Point looms up before the seeker after 



hidden treasures, as a locality full of 
Indian reminiscences. It was located 
somewhere near the foot of K street, 
fronting Thompson's Island. Here the 
Indian roamed, danced and enjoyed him- 
self with his traditions, and annually held 
a feast, full of merriment, and enthu- 
siasm. Every Indian knew that spring 
of water, which at high tide was covered 
by the sea, yet yielded to him so many 
cooling draughts. Upon a solemn feast- 
day he made a vow not to touch any- 
thing but what came from the sea, and 
even the sea water was taken up in clam 




DISTRICT e'OURTHOUSK, DORCHESrER Sl'REE 



The 
existed 



shells, and drunken in the midst of festiv- 
ities and ceremonies. All these cus- 
tt)ms lingered for many years in this 
locality, and many a white person visited 
the place and conferred with the red 
men about not a few of these peculiar 
observances, so dear to their memories. 
Not many years after these orgies took 
place, a scourge came upon the Indians, 
which made them superstitious, and drove 
them to other parts. But they long 
cherished the scenes of this neighbor- 
hood and held them in reverence. 
The time that South Boston was an- 



32 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



nexed to Boston by the legislative act of 
1804, was the time that the present name 
was assumed. There are good reasons 
for changing the name of a place, doubt- 
less, but for many the name of Matta- 
panock has more value in a historical 
way than the name South Boston. It 
would have been better to retain the 
Indian name here, as it has been re- 
tained in the name of the state. Of 
course, many in those early times were 
rasping under the treatment that their 
forefathers had received from the Indians, 



market place, but the immediate use of 
this spot was for a school building, until 
the public market should be more in de- 
mand. A burial place was then set out, 
on Dorchester street three hundred feet 
south ; west, on Dorchester boundary line, 
two hundred and sixty feet ; north on F 
street, and including a part of it, two 
hundred and sixty feet ; and east on 
Seventh street. This was the act of 
the selectmen of Boston. 

Mr. John Hawes, always interested in 
the locality, conveyed a lot of land on the 




RIRDSEYE VIEW OF SOUTH BOSTON OF TO-DAY. 



and cruel as well as deceptive they were 
in many of their transactions, but to our 
thinking, there was too ready a willingness 
to adopt old English names in this new 
land, which, while redolent of the scenes 
that they had long ago left behind them 
beyond the sea, was not always a valid 
reason to adopt them in this country. 

At an early period three lots of land 
were set apart for the purpose of a 
public market, for a school house, and 
for a burial ground. 

Mr. John Hawes deeded the lot for a 



old road leading to the Toint for the use 
of a burying ground for the inhabitants. 
This or part of it, is still seen between 
Emerson and Fifth streets and L and M 
streets. It was called Hawes burying 
ground. The Union cemetery adjoined 
it, upon land sold to Adam Bent the 
trustee of the Warren Association. St. 
Augustine cemetery on Dorchester street 
dates from 181 8. 

Mr. John Hawes was eight\-eight years 
old, when he died. His maternal grand- 
father was Benjamin Bird, and John knew 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



33 



the Neck from his seventh year, when he 
was brought here. 

He was a strong man in this com- 
munity and always aimed to advance 
the interests of the Neck. Everybody 
knew him, and prized his friendsliip. 
Late in hfe, he married Mrs. Sarah Clap, 
widow of Mr. Elisha Clap, and daughter 
of Mr. Thomas Bird. — His love for her 
was evinced in many ways. He made 
ample provisions for her in his estate, 
though he survived her death by six 
years. 

He was not educated in the modern 
sense, but he read, and iriiproved himself 
in ways that were opened to him in his 
day, and made himself a name and an 
influence in the community. He made 
provision for the education of the youth, 
erected a house for Divine worship, and 
its support, and proved himself a zealous 
adherent to the principles which go to 
make men, useful and industrious in their 
methods. As a farmer, he knew how to 
raise the crops and could tell the boys 
some good stories to make them happy 
and contented in tilling the fields. Such 
men may have their days of peculiarity, 
but he could overcome them all, with his 
sound wisdom, and his industrious ways. 

Joseph Woodward, was another well- 
known character. He was a man of 
extremes. He could wax eloquent when 
he w^as provoked, and he could defy his 
enemies in a way to make them long 
remember his antagonism. But he was 
good, unselfish, kind and tenderhearted ; 
traits which he exercised upon different 
occasions and helped to make him popu- 
lar in certain directions. He was born 
in Hingham, November 15, 1758. Dr. 
Chauncy, minister of the First church of 
Boston had the moulding of his early 
years. In 1804, after a varied experi- 
ence with the ups and downs in life, he 
came to South Boston, and bought a tract 
of land of thirty acres from Abraham 
Gould, which was located on the west of 
Dorchester street near the Roman Cath- 
olic cemetery. He worked hard for the 
bridge in the direction of South street, 
and openly worked for this project. 

" Old Joe Woodward," as he was called 
never was distressed at a failure. If he 



thought a matter was right, he would sit 
up all night, planning to carry it through. 
He argued for the annexation to Boston, 
and he advocated the bridge, the hobby 
of his life, with a rare determination to 
make it a success. 

Fearless to the extreme, he did many 
things in his impulsiveness, which made 
him enemies, yet he was a man of prog- 
ress. He did not sit still, and go to 
seed. He was always thinking of bene- 
fiting his community, and did it at the 
expense of severe criticism and many 
disadvantages. He fell asleep after an 
eventful life, June 29, 1838, and was 
buried in South Boston, July i. 

Mr. Abraham Gould was a representa- 
tive person in the early development of 
the interests of the peninsula. His large 
property was acquired through his mar- 
riage with Susanna Foster, a descendant 
of Hopestill Foster. His good judg- 
ment, and careful habits of adminis- 
tration led him to obtain other property, 
which he developed, and added materi- 
ally to his income. St. Matthew's 
Episcopal church, was begun under his 
advice, and he served as its senior war- 
den for many years. In the community 
many projects which would ultimately 
advance its prosperity, came under his 
guidance, and his usefulness as a citizen 
was verified in many ways. His death 
occurred February 3, 1840. 

Mr. Cyrus Alger was for many years 
an influential citizen. His business inter- 
ests in the iron foundry made his name 
well-known in the city of Boston. 
After South Boston had been an- 
nexed to Boston for five years Mr. Alger 
came to this locality and commenced the 
foundry business on Second street, near 
the Russell glass house, which was then 
in active operation. He left this position 
later on, which he had held in conjunc- 
tion with Governor \\'inslow, who had 
an interest in the business and finally 
transferred it to his son. This led 
Mr. Alger to erect for himself a 
foundry on Fourth street. The plant 
grew in size, and occupied a large space 
near the corner of Foundry street and 
the old bridge, besides having buildings 
on Dorchester avenue. His shrewdness 



34 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



in business was displayed in his purchase 
of lands and flats adjoining the foundry 
which were eventually filled in, and made 
available in many ways. The sea wall 
was repaired, and other improvements 
undertaken in this district, which showed 
that Mr. Alger was wiser in his plans 
than many of his friends could at first 
anticipate. 

The South Boston Iron Company was 



foundry and was constantly benefiting 
in every way, the community where he 
lived. His death was universally la- 
mented, and the day of his funeral threw 
a sadness over South Boston, where he 
was respected and honored by all classes. 
The name of Adam Bent was a famil- 
iar one to all the residents in the first 
part of the nineteenth century. His 
business was the manufacturing of 




EAST FOUR 



started by him, and incorporated in 1827. 
The business increased, and the works 
were extended. Around his residence, 
marked signs of improvement were 
visible, and Alger's foundry became 
after a time one of the most complete 
establishments in the country. 

His familiarity with the details of his 
business, as well as his knowledge of 
purifying cast iron, made him a recog- 
nized authority. The mortar gun " Co- 
lumbiad " was cast under his care. Other 
schemes requiring capital as well as skill 
were promoted, and advanced to a suc- 
cessful result by his untiring energy and 
cooperation. He did much to improve 
the streets and the land around his 



pianos, and in this he was one of the 
early pioneers. In 1808, he married 
Sukey Foster Blake. He was one of 
the fourteen original members of the 
Hawes Place Society and in 1829 was 
one of the deacons of that church. His 
death occurred March 22, 1857. 

Samuel Blake, enjoyed the esteem and 
confidence of this community for many 
years. He was born in Boston, Sep- 
tember 13, 1788, and in 1835 he came 
to South Boston and built a large man- 
sion on the ancestral spot, where for six 
generations the name of Blake was hon- 
ored. His ancestor William Blake was 
one of the passengers in the ship " Mary 
and John " which landed here in May, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



35 



1630. Mr. Samuel Blake was a success- 
ful man of business, kind and aifable in 
manner, and benevolent in his dealings 
with his fellowmen. His death was a 
great blow to the community, which he 
had served with such interest and devo- 
tion to its progress and development. 
It occurred Januar)' 17, 1853. 

SHIP BUILDING, 

Ship building was one of the early in- 
dustries in -South Boston. It began as 
early as 181 2. The firm of Lincoln & 
Wheelwright carried it on, and employed 
for^ their manager Mr. Samuel Kent. 
This gentleman, after serving acceptably 
for many years, was succeeded by Cap- 
tain Noah Brooks. No person took a 
more active interest in the commercial 
advancement of the community than he. 
It was the pride of the Hon. Abbott 
Lawrence of Boston, once to introduce 
the captain to a number of friends from 
the Southern States, upon a public occa- 
sion, as a real live Yankee. In 1822, he 
began his important enterprise upon a 
large scale, and his yard was famous all 
over the United States. In all his trans- 
actions, he proved himself a wise, and 
capable manager. Nothing escaped his 
diligent eye for business, and he never 
spared himself in promoting the best 
schemes for public reform and, working 
zealously in this direction, he lived to see 
how perseverance and skill, when proper- 
ly applied, will eventually merit success. 
The captain went among men, as one to 
whom they could always look up, and 
several times, he enjoyed the distinction 
of serving the legislature of Massachu- 
setts. The common council honored 
his membership, and benefited by his 
advice. He was born July 7, 1782 in 
Scituate, and died January 28, 1852, 
spending more than thirty years in this 
locality. His dwelling house was on 
Broadway, between Dorchester and E 
streets. Ship building was afterwards 
undertaken by Brigg Brothers, and Har- 
rison Loring followed with his many 
achievements in this same line. Beside 
building many ships for commerce, Mr. 
Loring constructed "The Northern 



Light " which made the fastest passage 
from Boston to San Francisco, covering 
the distance in seventy-six days. This 
ship was built in South Boston in 1851, 
and was commanded by Captain Hatch. 

The name of David Williams the pilot, 
bears a place of honor in the list of South 
Boston worthies. He was a self-educated 
man, and in every way, in his business, 
social, and church relations, distinguished 
himself, and left a reputation behind 
which others could emulate. 

The painful experience he went through 



||;-^— i^i 





ill 







ll|r i Of 

illi 



OLD LYCEUM HALL. 

ONCE LOCATED CORNER H ST. ANlJ JiKOADWAV. 

in 1778, when a member of the crew of 
the privateer brig " General Arnold," 
of twenty guns and one hundred and six 
men, which was foundered in Plymouth 
harbor, is full of thrilling adventures, pa- 
thetic and sad in the extreme. This ship 
left Boston, December 24, 1778, and en- 
countered a terrible storm of wind and 
snow near Plymouth. Many of the men 
were frozen and seventy-eight perished. 
Without food or drink the survivors did 
all they could to reach land, and to some 
extent were aided by the men of Plymouth. 
But exposure to the severe cold, with no ex- 
tra covering, made them afterwards seek 
the quarter deck of the stranded vessel, 



36 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



where they were huddled together await- 
ing the fate which seemed to be immi- 
nent. fVerything appeared to be against 
them. wSecuring a keg of rum from below 
they eagerly drank its contents, which 
put not a few of them into a stupor. The 
wiser ones poured the rum into their 
boots, and battling for a long time against 
odds, the rescuers finally succeeded in 
reaching them, and carried them in a 
half frozen condition to a place of safety. 
John Williams, the brother of David, 
suffered much, and for a long time, his 
life was despaired of. He finally recov- 
ered. Captain Magee was rescued, and 
a jolly, good-natured Irishman was he. 
By his jokes and cheerfulness, he drove 
many dull hours away at the time of ap- 
parent despair. David Williams never 
forgot him, and always mentioned his 
name with reverence. Mr. Williams 
enjoyed the respect of all, and was a 
man who by his kind and humble ways 
endeared himself to the community. 
While not prominent in business he was 
that type of man, who worked not for 
reward, but to make the world better after 
he had left it. He died December 4, 1836. 
A. E. G. 



1861-1901. 

The beginning of the civil war found 
South Boston a flourishing district, con- 
taining about twenty-two thousand in- 
habitants, who were largely engaged in 
manufacturing and other industrial pur- 
suits. 

The progress of the war marked an 
immense increase in the business and 
population of South Boston. The de- 
mand for materials incident to the prose- 
cution of the war for the Union, gave an 
impetus to every industrial pursuit and 
the foundries and machine shops were 
kept in operation day and night. A 
large number of artisans were thus at- 
tracted to South Boston, and before the 
war ended, the population had increased 
to thirty thousand. 

South Boston contributed liberally in 
both men and money for the maintenance 
of the Union, and one full company of 
infantry was early recruited and sent to 
the seat of war, while subsequently, 
hundreds of South Bostonians enlisted in 
various organizations, and rendered effici- 
ent service in suppressing the Rebellion. 

At the extensive City Point works of 




SCENE AT L STREET HATH HOUSE FOR MEN AND BOYS. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



37 



Harrison Loring, one of the numerous 
monitors was constructed and equipped 
in a manner that elicited the commenda- 
tion of naval experts and the authorities 
at Washington. During the construction 
of this war vessel, and later, while build- 
ing marine engines, Mr. Loring employed 
over five hundred mechanics. This num- 
ber was still increased when in 1890, 
Mr. Loring built the powerful modern 



being about four feet where they inter- 
sected and gradually lessening on Broad- 
way until reaching SS. Peter and Paul' 
Church. For about the same distance, 
Dorchester avenue was raised on each 
side of Broadway, and all buildings along 
the line of improvement were likewise 
elevated and the teriitory filled to the 
newly established grade. In conse- 
quence, a large expense was sustained 




^f4^^^M^. 




K STREET KATH HOUSE FOR WOMEN AND 



ironclad cruiser " Marblehead," which 
recently performed exceedingly good ser- 
vice in the war with Spain. 

It was during the civil war that, owing 
to the increased traffic between the city 
and South Boston, another connecting 
bridge became requisite and the neces- 
sary measures were taken for extending 
Broadway, which then terminated at 
Dorchester avenue, across the channel 
to Washington street. The problem of 
grade crossings was solved by elevating 
the bridge structure to allow trains on 
the Old Colony and Albany railroads 
to pass beneath. This plan necessitated 
a change of grade on Broadway and 
Dorchester avenue, the maximum rise 



in building this bridge, but it has proved 
to be useful and often has prevented 
costly interruptions to business and travel, 
when the other bridges have been dis- 
abled or were undergoing repairs or re- 
construction. Broadway drawbridge is 
poised upon a circular hollow foundation 
composed of iron tubes bolted together, 
and screwed into the soft bed of the 
channel by means of cutting blades at- 
tached to the extremity. The interior 
of this cylindrical support is about thirty 
feet in diameter, and furnishes ample 
space for a steam engine and operating 
machinery, which quickly revolves the 
structure for the passage of vessels. 
Since the close of the civil war. South 



38 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Boston has witnessed a great change in 
its topography as well as its industries 
and inhabitants. Soon after the war 
terminated, the idea of reclaiming the flats 
along the water front from Fort Point 
Channel to City Point was projected, 
and the legislature appropriated a large 
sum of money to dredge the harbor and 
fill in the territory, which now comprises 
several hundred acres of valuable build- 
ing land, to which access by w^ater is 
available for the largest steamships. A 
channel along the north shore of City 
Point was wisely reserved to maintain 
and preserve the extensive wharfage that 
has existed there since the early days 
of ship building, which was largely pros- 
ecuted fifty years ago, but which had 
almost entirely ceased at the beginning 
of the war in 1861. 

Of this reclaimed land the New York 
and New England Railroad early acquired 
twenty-five acres and erected piers and 
elevators for commercial purposes. The 
Boston Wharf Company was the pioneer 
in this undertaking, and a large extent of 
fiats was acquired and filled before the 
larger scheme was undertaken. This im- 
provement promises to further change the 
character of South Boston, for with the 
extension of the cross-town streets to the 
new sea front, it is not unlikely that the 
demands of commerce will eventually 
find that immense vacant territory inade- 
quate and will press westward until 
Broadway is reached and absorbed, and, 
still unsatisfied, continue to the South Bay 
which must then be filled for business 
purposes. The expansion of Boston 
during the past century surely points to 
a territorial dilemma during the twentieth 
century, that is just now commencing, 
w^hich can in no way be relieved or 
remedied except by utilizing South Bos- 
ton for commercial and mercantile ware- 
house purposes. 

The extension of Congress street 
across Fort Point Channel was an early 
achievement after the civil war. Later, 
as a part of the commonwealth scheme 
of filling in the flats territory. Congress 
street was extended to connect with L 
street at City Point. A drawbridge 
across the reserved channel, however. 



w 












V.' 


m 


t 




J 




Jftj 


fl 


r 1 


1 


immm 


i^k 



together with the one across Old Fort Point 
Channel, and the passage of freight trains 
at grade across Congress street, operated 
to prevent an • extensive use of this new- 
est and nearest approach to City Point, 
and until recently the street had never 
been paved beyond the railroad crossing. 
At the present time, however, this passage 
way to City Point has been relieved of 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



39 



the objectionable features above speci- 
fied, by the extension of Summer street 
across the channel and beyond, and el- 
evating the roadway above the railroad 
and A street, thence onward, finally de- 
scending to a junction with Congress 
street, which from that point will here- 
after be known as Summer street. Begin- 
ning at Fort Point Channel, a descend- 
ing roadway from Summer street affords 
access to A street, thus presenting a 
choice of routes to South Boston, one 
by way of Summer and A streets and 
one by way of Summer and L streets. 
In this connection it is apropos to 
speak of the extension of Dorchester 
avenue in lieu of Federal street, as af- 
fecting South Boston interests. When 
the plan to consolidate the various steam 
railroads entering the city on the south- 
erly side was first broached, it was uni- 
versally condemned by South Bostonians, 
who realized that easy access to a 
locality is what gives it value. It was 
argued that to obliterate Federal street 
and in its place provide a new route to 
the city several hundred feet longer than 
the old one, would seriously damage 
South Boston, because the increased 
distance would cause a loss of time and 
advance the cost of transportation. Con- 
sideration was also given to the addi- 
tional travel that would be imposed upon 
working men and women who are em- 
ployed in the city and who walk to 
and from their homes in South Boston. 
Failing to recognize the value of this 
railroad consolidation scheme, the op- 
position of the people of this district 
increased until a sentiment was created 
that took shape in an appeal to the 
legislature, which finally enacted a sup- 
plementary act that provided for another 
thoroughfare from Kneeland street to be 
elevated above the railroad tracks of 
the Terminal Company, and to cross the 
channel near Dorchester avenue, to 
which it would descend and with which 
unite near its junction with Foundry 
street. This reasonable concession to 
South Boston, at the joint expense of the 
city and the railroad company, was vigor- 
ously opposed by the consolidated railroad 
interests during its passage through the 



legislature ; and then an attempt was 
made to evade the legislative require- 
ment, by appealing to the national 
government and contending that another 
drawbridge would obstruct navigation 
through the channel. A board of United 
States engineers was ordered to investi- 
gate, and a report adverse to South 
Boston was presented to the secretary of 




40 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



war, who subsequently, at the solicitation 
of Congressman Henry F. Naphen of 
South Boston, organized another board 
of inquiry which reported that another 
bridge would not obstruct the passage 
of vessels any more than the existing 
bridges. To the secretary of war was 
then made a desperate appeal by the 
counsel for the railroad, and an equally 
desperate resistance by Congressman 
Naphen and the Citizens' Association, 
after which a final decision was rendered 



century portends a still more radical 
change in the approaching years. What 
other deduction can be drawn when it is 
considered that Boston is nearer Europe 
than New York, and when a great artery 
of commerce extends from the water 
front of South Boston to the vast grain 
and cotton fields of the West and South, 
and controlled by capitalists whose inter- 
ests will best be promoted by serving 
Europe from South Boston instead of 
New York. We foresee this great ex- 




HEAD HOUSE, MARINE PARK. 



that the bridge might be built, and prep- 
arations for executing the legislative 
mandate are now in progress. To Con- 
gressman Naphen is largely due the 
credit of achieving this great victory, and 
his re-election to Congress last year (1900) 
is somewhat attributable to his success- 
ful contention in behalf of his constitu- 
ents. The Cove street bridge will be 
erected within two years and will furnish 
a nearer route to and from the city for 
pedestrians and light vehicles, but on 
account of the steep grade necessary, 
heavy freight teams will be compelled to 
seek another avenue. 

The nineteenth century witnessed un- 
expected changes in the territory of 
Boston, but the dawn of the twentieth 



tent of wharfage in South Boston all 
ready for the heaviest shipping, where 
hundreds of tlie enormous steamships of 
the future may at the same time receive 
and discharge cargoes, and be always 
provided with deep channels, for their 
arrival and departure, regardless of time 
and tide. Hundreds of thousands of 
dollars are available, and are being used 
by the national government for deepen- 
ing these channels ; and for what purpose 
except the better accommodation of heav- 
ily loaded freight steamers, which can 
nowhere in Boston be brought so near 
its business centres as at the piers of 
South Boston. 

Another marked change in our topog- 
raphy has been created by the construe- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



41 



tion of the Marine Park at the extreme 
end of City Point, and the boulevard 
connecting this delightful resort with the 
park system that extends through Dor- 
chester and Roxbury to the Back Bay 
P'ens. and provides a driveway amid 
beautiful shrubbery and fragrant flowers 
for a distance of fifteen miles. In con- 
structing Marine Park, the upland east 
of Q street, across the peninsula, was ac- 
quired, and the additional acreage was 
obtained by reclamation from the sea. It 



is appropriately termed " Pleasure Bay," 
which is so sheltered as to make sailing 
and rowing safe for children, and others 
who are not accustomed to boating. 

City Point, the greatest yachting center 
in the world, offers grand natural facili- 
ties for yachting, and the summer pas- 
time of yacht-racing has for many years 
afforded healthful amusement to a great 
number of business men who have many 
thousands of dollars invested in magnifi- 
cent steam and sailing yachts, which find 




MARINE PARK. FROM HKAD HOUSE. 



was originally designed to provide for an 
aquarium within the park, but owing to 
the expense of the project, it has now 
been abandoned. The plans for this 
park also contemplate an elevated struc- 
ture at the terminal of the pier, to be 
adapted for band concerts and dancing, 
but only the foundation has yet been 
provided. Excellent bathing beaches 
have been created, and hundreds of 
dressing rooms amply supply the public 
with facilities for enjoying salt baths in 
smooth water. At the solicitation of 
Congressman P. A. Collins, the city was 
granted the use of Castle Island in con- 
nection with the Marine Park, and they 
are joined together by a bridge. The 
pier at one side and the bridge at the 
other enclose an expanse of water that 



abundant anchorage along the shore. 
Hundreds of these beautiful specimens 
of marine architecture may be seen at 
anchor during the yachting season, or 
swiftly gliding through the water, the 
whole forming a spectacle of picturesque 
grandeur. Several yacht clubs have 
spacious buildings located at City Point 
with long fioating platforms, and easy 
embarkment is thus secured. Principal 
among these are The Boston Yacht 
Club, The South Boston Yacht Club, 
The Columbia Yacht Club, The Mos- 
quito Fleet Yacht Club and The Puri- 
tan Canoe Club. It is thought by 
some, that the location of these club- 
houses along the boulevard, robs that 
costly " strandway " skirting the shore, of 
the artistic beauty that would otherwise 



42 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



be produced, but a change of rendezvous 
to the north shore or elsewhere, would 
have involved much expense, and the de- 
cision of the park commissioners to per- 
mit the use of the south shore for pleasure 
yachting met with general public ap- 
proval. During the summer season, 
immense throngs of people visit City 
Point to enjoy the cool sea breezes that 
usually prevail there, and to witness the 
ever-changing marine spectacle that is 
offered by the movements of vessels, vary- 
ing in size from the monstrous foreign 
steamships to the small sail boats and 
tiny row boats that are always plying to 



only one of its kind in the \vorld, since 
which time the loss of life has been almost 
entirely prevented. In winter, this humane 
institution is not in commission, although 
danger still exists when the bay is frozen, 
as occasionally happens. During these 
periods, swiftly gliding ice-boats skim the 
glary expanse, impelled by the wind and 
freighted with human beings bent upon 
experiencing a novel enjoyment. Horse 
races upon the ice likewise furnish at 
such times rare amusement, and pleas- 
ure driving is another winter diversion 
upon the frozen bay. The winter of 
1872 witnessed an accident by which a 




THE GREAT PIER AT CITY POINT, FROM RKAR OK HEAD HOUSE. 



and fro in almost countless numbers. 
Concerts are regularly given in Marine 
Park during the season, by the municipal 
band, and these are attended by crowds 
of delighted listeners who come from far 
away towns, transportation back and for- 
ward by street cars from all points 
reached by the Boston Elevated Rail- 
way, costing no more than within city 
limits. From ten to fifty thousand per- 
sons have often been known to visit Ma- 
rine Park upon a sultry Sunday, or dur- 
ing an oppressive mid-summer evening. 
A great many accidents occurred on the 
water surrounding City Point, occasioned 
by the unskilful management of boats 
and yachts, and so many lives were sac- 
rificed that the national government was 
a few^ years since, prevailed upon to es- 
tablish a floating life-saving station, the 



pair of valuable horses were drowned, 
the owner also narrowly escaping a 
watery grave. He had ventured upon 
thin ice that failed to support the heavy 
equipage. 

Following the civil war. the extensive 
residential district of Boston known as 
" Fort Hill," was depopulated to provide 
for the extension of business in that di- 
rection, and a large portion of the inhabi- 
tants removed to South Boston, where 
alone could be found tenements suited to 
their financial condition. Classed as 
laborers, and receiving small wages, a 
demand for cheap tenements was thus 
created in South Boston, and capitalists 
hastened to supply the demand that in- 
creased as others of limited means from 
other locations, followed the exodus from 
Fort Hill. Thus was somewhat changed 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



43 



in the course of years, the character of 
the inhabitants of South Boston, which 
nature had fitted to attract the wealthy 
people, who finally settled upon the mias- 
matic Back Bay territory. With its high 
ground, delightful ocean views and re- 
freshing sea breezes. South Boston pre- 
sents a most inviting appearance, — a 
residence section that nature nowhere 
furnished along the harbor lines, except 
upon the hills of the South Boston penin- 
sula. At the present time. South Boston 
is still almost completely inhabited by 



During the years that the changes 
noted have been taking place, another 
movement has been witnessed, which in 
some respects, has operated adversely to 
South Boston interests, and the effect 
has been nowhere more noticeable than 
among the churches. By reason of re- 
movals, nearly every Protestant denomi- 
nation has sustained membership losses 
that compelled consolidations, and 
church organizations have disbanded to 
unite with the Phillips Congregational, 
the St. John's Methodist and the Fourth- 



'* 




FARRAOUT STATUE AT MARINE PARK. 



working people of the more intelligent, 
better educated and eminently respecta- 
ble class. This is proved by court re- 
cords which show that during the past 
twenty years, a smaller percentage of 
crime has occurred in South Boston, 
according to population, than in any 
other district of Boston. 

Forty years ago. South Boston was a 
manufacturing district and its residents 
were principally artisans and mechanics, 
who were employed near their homes. 
To-day, South Boston is decidedly a resi- 
dential district, with nearly all of its 
inhabitants employed in the city or there 
engaged in business. Of the working 
population, it is estimated that four fifths 
are engaged beyond the territorial limits 
of South Boston. 



street Baptist societies. The edifice in 
which the E-street Congregationalists 
worshipped, is now owned and occupied 
by Dahlgren Post, Grand Army of the 
Republic. Where formerly the Metho- 
dists who united with St. John's church, 
held religious services, the Presbyterians 
now worshi]5, and where the South Bap- 
tist church formerly stood, at the corner 
of Broadway and F street, there has re- 
cently been erected a modern business 
structure that, in its design and equip- 
ment, compares favorably with any simi- 
lar building in Boston. While this change 
among the Protestants has been taking 
place, the Catholic population has been 
increasing, and their churches multiply- 
ing. The Gate of Heaven church has 
recently erected a costly and magnificent 



44 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




.SOUTH HUSTON SCHOOL OF ART. 

TOWER SINCE REMOVED. 

house of worship at the corner of Fourth 
and I streets, which will soon be occu- 
pied. At the same time, a convenient 
chapel has been built by this society, at 
the corner of Broadway and O street, 
where regular services are held, and 
where land has been acquired for a large 
church structure in the future. St. Ag- 
nes convent on 1 street, adjacent to the 
new edifice, is also connected with this 
flourishing church. St. Augustine's 
church has lately accjuired the Unity 
church property on Dorchester street, 
Washington Village, where another large 
church building is contemplated. Dur- 
ing the period we are considering, the 
Church of the Rosary on Sixth street, and 
St. Vincent's church on E street, have 
been established as offshoots from SS. 
Peter and Paul church, on Broadway, 
w'hich was organized before the civil war. 
A Polish Roman Catholic church was 
established several years ago in South 



Boston, and a wooden build- 
ing erected on Boston street, 
where regular services are 
conducted. That section was 
also found to be deficient in 
church facilities, and St. 
Margaret's was established 
in 1894, with a place of wor- 
ship at the corner of Har- 
vest and Boston streets. 

Notwithstanding the many 
consolidations among the 
Protestant churches, there 
still remain twelve vigorous 
societies and houses of wor- 
ship as follows : — Phillips 
Congregational, Broad- 
way, near Dorchester street ; 
St John's Methodist, Broad- 
way, near Dorchester street ; 
City Point Methodist, corner 
Fifth and L streets ; Dor- 
chester-street Methodist, cor- 
ner Dorchester and Vinton 
streets ; St. Matthew's Epis- 
copal, Broadway near F 
street ; Church of the Re- 
deemer, Episcopal, 825 E 
Fourth street: Grace Epis- 
copal, 315 Dorchester street ; 
Hawses Unitarian, Broadway, 
near G street ; Fourth street Baptist, 
corner Fourth and L streets; Fourth 
Presbyterian, corner Dorchester and Sil- 
ver streets ; Church of Our Father. Uni- 
versalist, 540 Broadway; Phillips Chapel, 
Congregational, 588 E Seventh street. 

MANUFACTURING. 

The present industries of South Boston 
are niunerous and productive, but many 
of the formerly great manufactories and 
business enterprises long since ceased 
to exist. Many remember the old chain 
works on F street, near Broadway, where 
the heaviest anchor chains were manu- 
factured as late as 1875. The invention 
of machinery for performing the work 
cheaper than by hand operations closed 
the establishment, which for many years 
had been a South Boston institution. 

The manufacture of glass was one of 
the earlier South Boston industries, and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



45 



no less than six establishments were in 
operation at one time. That of William 
Caines, on B street, was the last to 
succumb to the march of invention, but 
it was not until twenty years ago that the 
business was abandoned. In this connec- 
tion, it is interesting to know that Mr. 
Caines still lives at an advanced age, 
and resides in South Boston. 

South Boston formerly boasted of the 
most extensive iron works in New Eng- 
land, but it was not until 1883 that these 
great industrial enterprises began to 
languish. Twenty-five years ago, several 
thousands of skilled mechanics were em- 
ployed in foundries and rolling mills. 
The Bay State Iron Works on First 
street, City Point, where iron rails were 
produced, had over three thousand names 
upon its pay roll, and the machinery was 
operated by day and night. The Nor- 
way Iron Works on Dorchester avenue, 
where iron wire and sheet iron were 
manufactured, were likewise extensive 
and in continuous operation except on 
Sunday. These great concerns together 
with Alger's foundry and the P\ilton 
Iron Foundry and many other similar 
manufacturing enterprises, yielded to 
competing furnaces that were pvit in op- 
eration near the coal and iron mines 
where the cost of transporting raw 
materials was avoided, thus reducing the 
cost of the manufactured product. The 
extensive Printing Press Manufactory of 
R. Hoe & Company on Foundry street, 
was removed to New York in 1875 where 
the establishment is still in operation. 
The manufacture of heavy cannon and 
shell for the United States navy, was con- 
ducted on Foundry street as late as 1885, 
and some of the great pieces of rifled 
ordnance there constructed, are now 
mounted in forts along the coast. Among 
the principal industries of South Boston 
at the beginning of the twentieth cen- 
tury, are as follows : Standard Sugar 
Refinery, Granite street ; Boston Button 
Company, 326 A street. Ipswich Mills, 
Second and B streets ; Russell Boiler 
Works, First and C streets ; Hersey 
Manufacturing Company, 314 Second 
street ; Whittier Machine Company, 
Granite street ; Brooklyn Cooperage 




46 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Company, First and B streets ; Potter 
Shank Company, 41 West First street ; 
S. A. Woods Machine Company, off 
Dorchester avenue ; Boston Beer Com- 
pany, 249 West Second street; Chase & 
Co., 347 Congress street ; Moore & 
Wyman, Granite and Richard streets: 
Anderson Manufacturing Company, 298 
A street ; John Souther & Co., 67 1 
Dorchester avenue ; Jenney Manufactur- 
ing Company, 291 West First street; 
George Lawley & Son, First and () 
streets ; Shales & May, 292 Dorchester 
street ; Robert Bishop, 157 West Sixth 
street ; Walworth Manufacturing Com- 
pany, E First street, City Point ; Suffolk 
Brewing Company, Eighth and G street ; 
R. Harrison & Son, 338 West First 
street ; R. Estabrooks & Sons, First and 
C streets ; Boston Asphalt Company, 308 
A street ; Cunningham Boiler Works, 
Congress and B streets ; Bowker, Torrey 
& Company, 80 Granite street ; South 
Boston Roofing company, 384 West First 
street; Bay State Belting Company, 164 
A street; Thomas Miley & Son, 517 
Second street; O. Sheldon Company, 
340 West First street ; Sweatt & Chase, 
116 West First street ; Hunt and Spiller, 
383 Dorchester avenue; George H. 
Lincoln & Co., Alger street; P. Lally 
& Sons, 2 1 West First street ; Common- 
wealth Manufacturing Company, 249 A 
street ; Howard Iron Foundry, Dorr 
street. 

At the date of writing, the Standard 
Sugar Refinery employs over twelve 
hundred men and the works are operated 
day and night. About six hundred bar- 
rels of the best granulated sugar are 
daily produced from beet and raw cane 
sugars. 

Among the great industries of recent 
years, now inoperative, may be mentioned 
the Downer kerosene works, 122 West 
First street, the cordage works on East 
Sixth street, and the plant of the South 
Boston Gas Company on Dorchester 
street. 

The shipyard of George Lawley & 
Son at City Point, has a national reputa- 
tion. The Messrs. Lawley are now 
constructing another yacht for Thomas 
W. Lawson, who hopes that the speed of 



his vessel will entitle him to defend the 
cup next summer against the yacht that 
is now under construction in England. 
The coveted prize is in the possession of 
the New York Yacht Club, and was 
originally offered as an incentive for the 
development of speed in sailing yachts 
through designing. The new South 
Boston yacht will be constructed of steel 
and is already in frame. 

POLITICS. 

During all of these forty years, that 
have so changed the population, the ap- 
pearance and the industries of South 
Boston, as great changes have been ob- 
served in the political field. In i860, it 
was impossible for a Democrat to obtain 
an elective ofiice, while now it is equally 
impossible for a Republican to be elected 
at the polls. The Republicans retained 
their political preponderance until 1875, 
when Hon. Benjamin Dean (Democrat) 
was elected to a seat in Congress, largely, 
however, by the votes of his Republican 
neighbors, to which his antagonist, Hon. 
W. A. Field, afterward Judge Field attrib- 
uted his defeat. Since that event Demo- 
crat ascendancy progressed until Hon. 
James A. McGeough, Hon. P. A. Collins, 
and Hon. John B. Martin were elected to 
the Massachusetts senate in various years. 
Later, Mr. Collins was sent to Congress 
for two terms, and he also commanded 
considerable Republican support. No 
South Boston Republican has recently 
been elected to the legislature, and South 
Boston Republicans have had no party 
representative in the board of alderman 
or common council for quite a number 
of years. Neither are they likely to be 
so favored except in the event of a quar- 
rel among the Democrats. 

SOCIETIES. 

The social condition must naturally 
follow any discussion of the religious and 
political aspects of a community, and it 
may be said that in no city and among 
no people are social functions more in 
vogue or more interesting than in South 
Boston, All of the churches maintain 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



47 



societies for social intercourse, and the 
organizations formed for charitable, re- 
formatory, protective and benelicent pur- 
poses are well represented in South 
Boston, and the public halls are hardly 
adequate for the accommodation of the 
numerous bodies that constitute its social 
life. First in importance are the Ma- 
sonic bodies which, in i860, consisted of 
St. Paul's and Gate of the Temple lodges, 
F. A. M. Two lodges, Adelphi and 
Rabboni, have since been constituted, 
the latter, however, having recently lo- 
cated in Dorchester, where the member- 
ship largely resides. St. Matthew's 
Royal Arch Chapter and St. Omer Com- 
mandery of Knights Templar, complete 
the Masonic fraternity, which have spa- 
cious and elegant apartments in the two 
upper stories of the Savings Bank build- 
ing at the corner of Broadway and E 
street, where all the bodies hold their 
regular communications and public as- 
semblies. 

Odd Fellowship in South Boston, has 
also made an advance since the civil war, 
when the contingent consisted of Be- 
thesda Lodge and Mount Washington 
Encampment. Hobah Lodge is an off- 
shoot of Bethesda, and the Rebekah 
dispensation is represented by Bernice 
Lodge. Bethesda Lodge has a large 
building fund, and owns a site at the 
corner of Dorchester and Fourth streets, 
but the erection of an Odd Fellow's build- 
ing was postponed when the Baker block 
was constructed at the corner of Broad- 
way and F street, and apartments were 
specially planned to accommodate the 
lodge. These are known as Bethesda 
and Bernice Halls, and they are leased 
for a term of years. Hobah Hall is at 
the corner of Dorchester and National 
streets. 

The South Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion is now making arrangements for the 
dedication of the memorial monument 
on Thomas Park, that has been erected 
by the commonwealth to commemorate 
the Evacuation of Boston by the British 
in 1776. The Association was largely 
instrumental in securing the appropria- 
tion for this suitable memorial of an 
event that contributed in a great degree, 



to American independence. Before the 
dedication exercises will occur the one- 
hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of 
the evacuation of Boston. Evacuation 
Day, March 17, will now be one of South 
Boston's annual observances. John H. 
Means, president of the association, has 
appointed an efficient committee of ar- 
rangements, and plaiuied to have the 
festivities close with a banquet, at which 
Senator Hoar will probably deliver the 
principal address. 

Since the civil war, there has been no 
social organization that has attracted 
more notice or commanded more public 
sympathy, than the Grand Army of the 
Republic, which is composed of the vet- 
eran soldiers and sailors who engaged in 
defending the nation when its existence 
was threatened. Dahlgren Post has a 
membership of nearly two hundred, and 
meetings are regularly held in Memorial 
Hall on E street. Washington Post has 
a membership of nearly one hundred, 
and meets in Pythian Hall on Broadway. 
Auxiliary to these posts, there are two 
branches of the Woman's Relief Corps, 
and a camp (Dahlgren No. 98) of the 
Sons of Veterans, is associated with 
Dahlgren Post. Gettysburg Command, 
Union Veterans' Union, is another organ- 
ization of veterans of the civil war, that 
meets in Tonti Hall on E street. 

The City Point Catholic Association 
is a prominent social organization with a 
clubhouse at 744 Fourth street, where 
fashionable receptions are held and en- 
tertainments are given. The society is 
noted for its negro minstrelsy, and its 
public performances are always attended 
by crowds of delighted patrons. 

The Church Home for orphans and 
destitute children on N street, is an insti- 
tution that is maintained by Episcopalian 
contributions, and it constantly cares for 
the education and support of several 
hundred helpless children. 

Other societies located in South Bos- 
ton, are as follows : Unity, Mount Wash- 
ington and Farragut lodges. Ancient 
Order of United Workmen ; Mattapan- 
nock, Broadway and City Point lodges. 
Knights of Honor ; Lincoln and Winthrop 
councils, Royal Arcanum ; South Boston 



48 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Council, Knights of Columbvis ; Beulah 
Chapter, Golden Rule Alliance ; Divi- 
sions 6, 7, II, 13, 32, Ancient Order of 
Hibernians ; Good Shepherd Court, For- 
esters of America ; St. Patrick's, SS. 
Peter and Paul, St. Augustine, St. 
Michael, Notre Dame and St. Aloysius 
Courts, Catholic Order of Foresters ; 
Washington Lodge, Knights of Pythias ; 
Welcome Council, Home Circle ; Taylor 
and Garfield councils, American Legion 
of Honor ; Friendship Lodge, Knights 
and Ladies of Honor ; Mount Carmel 
Commandery, Knights of Malta ; Colum- 
bia Lodge. Order of New England ; 
Volunteer, Mizpah and Defender lodges, 
N. E. Order of Protection ; Mount Wash- 
ington Colony, United Order of Pilgrim 
Fathers ; Mount Washington, Shawmut 
and Echo commanderies. United Order 
Golden Cross ; Washington Lodge, Ger- 
man Order of Harugari ; Puritan. Gar- 
field and old Colony assemblies, Royal 
Society of Good Fellows ; Signet and 
Wendell Phillips councils. Order of 
United Friends ; Admiral Nelson lodge. 
Sons of St. George ; Clan Farquharson, 
Order of Scottish Clans; Frank Haven 
Hinman lodge. Loyal Orange Listitution ; 
Freight Handlers and Longshoreman's 
assemblies; Knights of Labor; SS. 
Peter and Paul, Father Mathews and 
St. Augustine societies. Catholic Total 
Abstinence Union. The Associated 
Charities have a branch office at No. 366 
Broadway, and the Provident Association 
at No. 325 E street. 

BANKS. 

Li the early days of South Boston, 
the Mechanics Bank figured as the only 
financial institution, and it prospered un- 
til the flight of our industries compelled 
removal, together with the Broadway 
Bank that was founded in 1853. The 
former is still conducting a prosperous 
business in the city, and it was not until 
recently that the Broadway discontinued. 
The only bank of deposit in South Boston 
now existing is the Mattapan Deposit 
and Trust Company, with banking rooms 
at Broadway and E street. It was es- 
tablished some ten years ago and is quite 



conservative in its methods, although in- 
terest is allowed upon balances exceeding 
a certain sum. 

The South Boston Savings Bank was 
established and incorporated during the 
civil war, and its business has always 
been skillfully managed by a body of citi- 
zens who render gratuitous service. Its 
investments have been profitable, one of 
which was in erecting the building in 
which it is now located at Broadway and 
E street. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The fire department is represented 
by six steam engines, one chemical en- 
gine, two combination wagons, one com- 
bination ladder and one ladder truck. 
Notwithstanding that buildings are here 
principally built of wood, there is seldom 
a serious loss by fire, for although very 
combustible, the buildings are not high, 
excepting in the business section, and 
therefore can easily and quickly be 
drenched with water. Alarms are given 
from sixty signal boxes scattered through 
the streets, and from private boxes in 
some of the large manufactories and 
storehouses. 

MUNICIPAL COURT. 

The South Boston Municipal Court 
was established in 1875, since which 
time it has been in continuous operation. 
Hon. Robert I. Burbank was the first 
presiding judge, and Hon. Joseph D. 
Fallon was an associate justice. Hon. 
Joseph 1). Fallon is now presiding judge, 
and his associate justices are Hon. Josiah 
S. Dean and Hon. Charles J. Noyes. 

POLICE SERVICE. 

The police force of South Boston 
consists of two captains, four lieutenants, 
six sergeants and about one hundred 
and twenty patrolmen. There are two 
police stations, Nos. 6 and 12, fitted 
with sleeping rooms for the night relief, 
and cells for prisoners. Each station 
has a patrol wagon, and is in communi- 
cation by telephone with headquarters 
and with the other stations, also with the 
signal boxes in the public streets. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



49 



The location of the Insane Asyknn 
and House of Correction in South Bos- 
ton was generally regarded as detrimen- 
tal, and for many years efforts have been 
made to secure their removal. The 
former has been re-located, but the House 
of Correction remains as a stigma upon 
this portion of the city. The buildings 
have repeatedly been declared by com- 
mittees and experts to be unsuitable for 
such an institution, and it is expected 
that new buildings will soon be erected 
at Deer Island, where there is ample 
space and where the prison will cast no 
slur or reflections upon any portion of 
the municipality. 

RECREATION. 

The city has wisely devoted a square 
of the reclaimed land elsewhere men- 
tioned for a public playground, where 
various athletic games are played, and 
out-of-door sports are indulged in. It is 
called Commonwealth Park, and is open 
to all who desire recreation. A gymna- 
sium building has been erected upon the 
grounds that is equipped with all the 
paraphernalia and apparatus necessary 
in such an institution. It is free for 
public use under certain regulations. A 
playground is also located in the square 
bounded by First, Second, M and O 
streets. 

A salt water swimming beach for men 
and boys, is maintained by the city at 
the southerly end of L street, and per- 
sons from very distant localities visit it 
to enjoy a swim in salt water, having 
a more agreeable temperature than at the 
open sea. It is the greatest bath of its 
kind in the whole world. Floating bath- 
ing houses are also available in summer, 
for men and boys at Mount Washington 
avenue and Dover street bridges, and for 
women and girls at Dover street bridge 
and at the foot of M street. These 
baths are free and are used by an al- 
most incredible number of people. 

THE OLD RESERVOIR. 

It was November 8. 1849, that the water 
was let on in the reservoir, on Telegraph 
Hill, then just completed. This reservoir 



had a capacity for 7,500,000 gallons of 
water and served its purpose as a source 
of local supply until about 1872, when 
the supply, which had become inadequate, 
was shut off. The water having also 
become somewhat stagnant, the reservoir 
was then cleaned out. For some years 
thereafter the reservoir was resorted to 
only in case of fire. 

In 1895 the land on which the reser- 
voir then stood was taken from the water 




y-Qy^- 



OLD SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 
FORMERLY BROADWAY AND F STREET. 

department for the purpose of erecting in 
its place the new and costly South Bos- 
ton high school, soon after which the 
reservoir was torn down. 

STREET EXTENSIONS. 

The agitation for a nearer avenue to 
the South End and Roxbury, culminated, 
in 1875, in the building of Swett street. 
from Washington Village to Albany 
street, and a line of cars through this 
street and Columbia road, is contem- 
plated. The latter has recently been 
constructed by the widening of Boston 
and Columbia streets to Blue Hill ave- 
nue and Franklin Park. As a part of 
this improvement, the extremely danger- 



50 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



ous grade crossing of the Old Colony 
Railroad on Dorchester avenue, has been 
eliminated. To accomplish this, the 
road bed was re-located to skirt the 
South Bay, and thence cross beneath 
Boston street and the avenue, the grades 
of which were raised to perfect the 
scheme. 

SPANISH WAR. 

The recent war with Spain was fatal 
to quite a number of young South Bos- 
tonians who were connected with the 
Ninth Regiment, Massachusetts Volun- 
teer Militia. This regiment was accepted 
by the United States government for 
active service, and it formed a part of 
the forces that besieged the city of San- 
tiago, Cuba, in the summer of 1898. 
Three companies, B I and C, were re- 
cruited almost exclusively, in South 
Boston. Company B was commanded by 
Capt. George F. H. Murray, Company 
I by Capt. John H. Dunn, and Company 
C by Capt. T. F. Quinlan. Lieut.-Col. 
Lawrence J. Logan, Major Michael J. 
O'Connor and Surgeon William H. De- 
vine, all of South Boston, were among the 
regimental officers. The regiment was 
among the first to land and to attack the 
enemy, which retreated with a deter- 
mined show of resistance. Two engage- 
ments and several skirmishes were 
experienced before the Spanish forces 
reached their fortifications in front of 
Santiago, where the Americans estab- 
lished entrenchments, in which the Ninth 
regiment was stationed for many days, 
beneath a tropical sky, and without 
shelter from the almost incessant rain 
storms that prevailed. With insufficient 
or improper food, these well-bred heroes 
from Massachusetts maintained a con- 
stant musketry fire or participated in 
numerous sorties upon the enemy. The 
terrible hardships experienced culmi- 
nated, upon the surrender of the Spanish, 
in attacks of fever, and disorders peculiar 
to the Cuban climate, that were shared 
by the entire American army, which was 
none too soon withdrawn to save those 
who finally recovered. Before this evac- 
uation, however, many of the strongest 
and most robust were quickly reduced to 



perfect helplessness, and deaths were 
numerous. Among these, were Majors 
Grady and O'Connor. Colonel Bogan 
was an early invalid and came home to 
die. He was succeeded by Colonel 
Logan who was himself soon disabled, 
and forced to retire. Major Murray was 
seized with fever, but he continued with 
the regiment until its departure from 
Cuba. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

A branch of the Boston Public Lib- 
rary was opened in 1885, and it occupies 
the second story of the Savings Bank 
building. It is open daily and on Sun- 
day evenings. There are spacious read- 
ing rooms and books are loaned for home 
use. In January, 1901, a sub-station of 
the public library was established in the 
basement of the John A. Andrew school. 

A" Family Directory of South Boston " 
was published in 1891 by Mr. Fred C. 
Floyd. It contained the names of the 
occupants of dwellings, stores, and manu- 
factories in South Boston, arranged sep- 
arately by streets. It also contained 
an alphabetical directoiy of residents, 
and a business directory. It was in- 
tended to publish this directory annually, 
but in this the publisher failed in his 
purpose. 

FREE TRANSFERS. 

In common with other parts of the 
city. South Boston participates in the 
free transfer system of the Elevated 
Railroad Company, by which, for a sin- 
gle fare, transportation is furnished in 
every direction, and special lines of cars 
are operated from City Point to Dor- 
chester, Roxbury, Brighton, Cambridge, 
Medford and Everett. Free transfer 
stations are maintained at Broadway and 
Dorchester street, and at Broadway and 
Dorchester avenue. Transfer can also 
be made again, at any transfer station 
along the route, to j^roceed in the same 
general direction. 

POPULATION. 

The population of the three South 
Boston wards according to the United 
States census one year ago, was 70,161, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



51 









L. 


. --y^^, -.- r.^. 


^ -' ,:,;^,;" ' ' .v..,,..,„. ^ 



HE .SUUni HUSTON HIGH ,SlHUUJ> 
IN PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTION. 



or one eighth of the population of the 
city. The number of assessed polls last 
April, was 19,916, and the number of 
ballots cast for president at the recent 
election, was as follows : — For William 
J. Bryan, Democrat, 7887. For William 
McKinley, Republican, 2801. Total, 
10,688. 

When it is considered what tremen- 
dous disadvantages the early residents of 
South Boston encountered and contended 
with, the present inhabitants may well 
wonder at the achievements of their pred- 
ecessors, and be truly thankful that they 
are living in the era of electricity, by 
which rapid transit and cheap transpor- 
tation through the public streets, have 
been made possible. 

Fred C. Floyd. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The public schools of South Boston 
hold rank with any in the city, and when 
graduating from the city high schools. 
South Boston students have taken their 
full proportion of prize medals, although 
handicapped by distance and consequent 
fatigue ; which forced many South Boston 
students to relinquish their cherished 
desire for a higher education. Others 
continued on to find their health injured 
before the precious diploma could be 
secured. Conscious of these difficulties, 
the people of South Boston began several 
years ago, to demand the establishment 



of a high school where the higher 
branches of education could be studied 
without sacrificing home comforts and 
without traveling many weary miles 
through rain and snow. It was not, 
however, until six years ago that the 
necessary appropriation for a building 
was secured. A site was selected in 
1895, on G street, where the reservoir 
was formerly located, and a handsome 
high school building is now in process 
of erection, that will be equipped with all 
of the modern appliances and the neces- 
sary apparatus for demonstration. It is 
hoped that the school can be instituted 
when the next school year begins. 

Free evening elementary schools are 
held in South Boston during the winter, 
to which all are admitted regardles's of 
age or proficiency in study. The ses- 
sions of these schools are held in the 
Bigelow and Lincoln school houses. 

LAWRENCK SCHOOl,. 

Previous to March, 1868, the Law- 
rence school was a mixed school, under 
the charge of Josiah A. Stearns, master, 
and Larkin Dunton, sub-master. At 
this time Master Stearns and the girls 
were transferred to the new Norcross 
building, and the Lawrence was organ- 
ized as a boys' school, under the charge 
of Mr. Dunton as master. Mr. Stearns 
was a kind-hearted, sympathetic, courte- 
ous gentleman, beloved and respected 
by everybody. He served the city most 



52 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



faithfully and ably as master of the 
Mather, Lawrence and Norcross schools 
for a period of forty years, beginning in 
1842. A few years ago Master Leonard 
had one of the class-rooms that was no 
longer needed for pupils, partitioned off 
and converted into a comfortable teach- 
ers' reception room, and a large library 
room fitted up with book-cases, tables. 




I.AWRENCK SCHOOL. 

etc. The best books remaining of the 
old Lawrence Association Library are 
preserved in the new library. The city 
has supplied the school from time to 
time with a large collection of valuable 
books, and additions are now made every 
year from the Gibson fund, the object 
being to build up, for the use of teachers 
and pupils, a useful school library. In the 
library room there are cases for the phil- 
osophical apparatus, minerals, mounted 
birds, etc. The school hall has been 
greatly improved. A new stage has 



been built, the old black-boards on the 
walls have been removed, the walls tinted 
and decorated with appropriate pic- 
tures and busts of eminent men, the 
gifts of the several graduating classes 
since 1878. A stereopticon bought with 
money from the Gibson fund has been 
set up in the hall. 

For many years the Lawrence school 
was the largest in the city, 
there being sometimes over 
one thousand grammar pu- 
pils ; but during the last few 
years the number has been 
gradually diminishing, ow- 
ing chiefly to the taking of 
land for railroad purposes. 
At the present time there 
are six hundred and nine 
pupils in the grammar 
school. The teachers are : 
Master, Amos M. Leonard. 
Sub-Masters, Augustus D. 
Small, George S. Houghton. 
Assistants, Charlotte L. 
Voigt, Agnes G. Gilfether, 
Isabella F. Crapo, Kate 
Haushalter, Mary E. Mc- 
Mann, Maud A. Gleason, 
Mary A. Montague, Mary 
A. Conroy, Margaret J. 
Schenck, Mary F. O'Brien, 
Jennie E. Bailey, M. Louise 
Gillett and Elizabeth]. 
Andrews. 

There are 539 primary and 
ninety-seven kindergarten 
pupils in the Lawrence dis- 
trict. These occupy the old 
Mather building on Broad- 
way, and the Samuel G. 
Howe building on Fifth street. The old 
Parkman building on Silver street is no 
longer used for primary pupils. The 
names of the primary teachers are : 

First Assistants, Sarah E. Lakeman, 
Martha S. Damon. Assistants, Margaret 
M. Burns, Maud F. Crosby, Lena J. Cros- 
by, Mary E. Flynn, Eva C. Morris, Amelia 
McKenzie, Emma Britt, Minnie F. Kee- 
nan, Martha J. Krey, Mar)^ E. T. Shine, 
Henrietta Nichols and Sabina F. Kelly. 

Kiuderi^arten Teachers, Principals^ 
Mary Wall, Bertha Arnold. Assistants^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



53 



Anna M. Mullins and Ida G. Thur- 
ston. 

Amos M. Leonard, master of the Law- 
rence school, is a descendant, in the 
seventh generation, of James Leonard 
who, with his brother Henry, estabUshed 
the first permanent iron works in this 
country, at Taunton, in 1652. They had 
previously been interested in the same 
business in England and Wales. They 
claimed kinship with Lord Dacre who 
was descended from William the Con- 
queror. There have been iron workers 
in each generation of the Leonards. Mr. 
Leonard was born in Stoughton, the third 
of nine children. His father owned a 
small farm on which was a mill pond 
and small factory or shop in which he 
made shoemakers' kit and edge-tools. 
Mr. Leonard, with his brothers, when 
not attending school worked on the farm 
and sometimes assisted his father in the 
shop. When fourteen years of age he 
came under the influence of a remarka- 
ble teacher who boarded in the family. 
A new interest in his studies was soon 
awakened. What before had been an 
unwelcome task now became a keen 
delight, and his highest ambition was to 
become, like his ideal, a teacher. As 
there was no high school in Stoughton, at 
that time, he began the study of Latin, 
algebra and geometry under this teacher 
in the ungraded district school — the 
same school that the Hon. Henry L. 
Pierce and his brother Edward attended 
when they were boys. Wishing to pur- 
sue his studies further, he entered Pierce 
Academy, Middleboro, in the fall of 
1859. At the end of three years — hav- 
ing been engaged in teaching school in 
Stoughton one-half of this time — he en- 
tered Tufts College. Believing there were 
greater advantages at a larger institu- 
tion, at the end of one year he applied 
for admission to Harvard University, 
passed the examinations successfully, 
was admitted, and graduated from that 
institution in 1866. He was a member 
of two college societies, the Theta Delta 
Chi and the Pi Eta. During his college 
course he taught school in Stoughton 
for three winter terms. The extensive 
knowledge of a practical sort acquired in 



early life and the habits of industry,, per- 
severance and self-reliance then formed 
have been a constant advantage to him 
in his profession. 

In September, 1866, Mr. Leonard was 
engaged as teacher of Latin and mathe- 
matics in Mr. David B. Tower's Latin 
school on Park street. He resigned this 
position and entered the service of the 
City of Boston, October 22, 1866, on a 
larger salary, having received the ap- 
pointment of usher after a competitive 




AMOS M. LEONARD, LAWRENCE SCHOOL. 

examination to which he had been invited 
by a member of the school committee. 
He was placed in charge of a branch of 
the Quincy school then located in the 
old Franklin building on Washington 
street, near Dover street. May i, 1868, 
he was appointed sub-master of the 
Lawrence school after a competitive ex- 
amination of over sixty applicants for the 
position. September i, 1872, he was 
appointed master of the Lawrence school 
to succeed Mr. Larkin Dunton, who had 
been selected to organize and take 
charge of the new Boston normal school. 
At that time Mr. Leonard was the young- 
est master in Boston, and the Lawrence 
was the largest school. He is a member 
of the Boston Masters' Association, and 
of the Massachusetts Schoolmasters' 
C^lub. He is interested in historical 



54 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



studies and in good literature. He is 
very fond of good music, especially clas- 
sical music, and was a member of the 
Handel and Haydn Society, and of the 
Boylston Club for many years. 

NORCROSS SCHOOL. 

The Norcross school was founded in 
1868 and is located at the corner of D 
and Fifth streets. The district was 
formed out of the Lawrence and Bigelow 




NORCROSS SCHOOL. 

districts. The Lawrence was then a 
mixed school which was then divided, 
the boys remaining in the old quarters ; 
and the girls, with their old master, the 
esteemed Josiah A. Stearns, moving into 
the new Norcross building. This build- 
ing is unfortunately one of that obsolete 
type which illustrates the folly of entrust- 
ing school architecture to men unac- 
quainted with the needs of schools, and 
perhaps indifferent to their welfare. The 
old rule however holds good that the 
teacher makes the school and in this 
particular the school is one of the best 
in the city. Here visitors are always 
welcome, as the business of the school 
is always open to inspection and fullest 



investigation. The first principal, Mr- 
Stearns, was a superior teacher and true 
gentleman. He practically died in the 
harness, for, resigning his mastership in 
1882, enfeebled by many years of faithful 
service, he survived but a few months. 
This school has a membership of about 
seven hundred. The teachers of this 
excellent school are as follows. 

Master, Fred O. Ellis. First Assistajits, 
M. Elizabeth Lewis. Mary R. Roberts. 
Assistants, E m m a 
L. Eaton, Mary E. 
Downing, Miria L. 
Nelson, Emma F. 
Crane, Juliette 
Smith, M. Joseph- 
ine Leary, Elsie M. 
Paul, Agnes J. Hal- 
lahan, Cherrie W. 
St. Clair, Ellen T. 
Noonan. Special In- 
structors, Cookery, 
Julia T. Crowley. 
Sewing, Catherine 
J. Cadogan, Mary 
J. McEntyre. Ja)i- 
itor, S a m u el T. 
Jeffers, T r 11 a n t - 
officer, Amos Schaf- 
fer. 



PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 

DRAKE SCHOOL, THIRD 

STREET. 

F i r s t Assistant, 
Ele a n o r J. Cash- 
man. Assistants. 
Abbie C. Nicker- 



Fannie W. Husse}- 
son, Kate E. Fitzgerald 



First .Issista/it, Ann E. Newell. Assist- 
ants, Hannah L. McGlinchey, Harriet 
L. Rayne, Jennie A. Mullaly, Alice 
W. Baker, Josephine J. Mahoney. /<?;//- 
A^/', James AL Demeritt. 

KINDKRGARTEN. 
CYRUS Al.C.KR SCUOOI,, SEVENTH STREET. 

Principal, Louise M. Davis ; Assistant, 
Ruth Perry. 

Fred O. Ellis master of the Norcross 
school entered the service of the City of 
Boston in 1867 and was sub-master in 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



55 



the old Bigelow school until 1881, when 
he began his work in the Norcross. Be- 
fore coming to Boston he had charge of 
the high and grammar schools at Swamp- 
scott, Massachusetts. In 1862, obeying 
his country's call, he enlisted in the late 
war, and it is worthy of note that seven 
boys who had been members of his school 
the preceding winter enlisted at the 
same time and all went together to the 
front. The school committee of Swamp- 
scott held his position open, awaiting his 




FRED O. ELLIS, NORCROSS SCHOOL. 

return, and at the close of his faithful 
army service he resumed the work of 
teaching. In February 1865, he was 
commissioned by Governor John A. 
Andrew, war governor of Massachusetts 
as a captain in the state militia. He 
has the good will of his many pupils and 
takes a deep interest and pride in his 
school. He is well suited to the work 
of master and under his guidance the 
Norcross school has taken a leading 
position among the schools of the city. 

SOUTH BOSTON SCHOOL OV ART. 

The South Boston School of Art is 
supported by the fund left by John 
Hawes in 1830 for educational purposes 
for the benefit of South Boston people. 
The use of this money has been distrib- 
uted in many ways. From 1835 to about 



1850, Miss Burrill's private school was 
assisted by the payment of a small sum 
for each pupil residing in this section. 
In 1837 money was appropriated for a 
public Sunday-school. In 1870, before 
the city provided evening schools, this 
fund maintained one. Later, in 1872, a 
drawing school was maintained in the 
South Boston Saving's Bank building. It 
had at its head, Walter Smith, at one 
time director of drawing in the city, and 
he was assisted by able instructors. 
This was the beginning from which the 
present art department has grown. For 
some time the pupils occupied the Bird 
school, but in 1892 the school was 
moved to its present location at the cor- 
ner of Emerson and Fourth streets. This 
building belonged to the fund and was 
formerly the Hawes Place church. The 
school is open from October to May, af- 
ternoon and evening. It includes various 
departments of free-hand drawing, me- 
chanical drafting, modeling in clay, yacht 
and ship designing, shorthand, vocal 
and physical culture, and water color 
painting. The summer vacation school 
is confined entirely to sloyd and wood- 
working for boys. The free-hand de- 
partment is under Prof. G. H. Bartlett, 
assisted by Annie E. Blake and Ethel G. 
Bartlett. Mr. John L. Frisbee has the 
yacht and ship designing department, 
William S. Brown and Daniel \V. Colby 
the mechanical department, Miss Grace 
Vaughn Bail has the physical culture 
class, Miss Edith G. Bartlett the water 
color class, while the shorthand is taught 
by Francis H. McCarthy and Miss Har- 
riet Weiler. Prof. Josef Sanberg has 
charge of the sloyd work, and Mrs. E. 
A. Southard, assistant. The trustees are, 
Hon. Charles T. Gallagher, George E. 
Alden, Henry C. Mitchell, treasurer, Ed- 
ward A. Church and Thomas Hills. 

IJIC.KLOW SCHOOL. 

The liigelow school district was or- 
ganized in 1849 ^"d the first building 
was dedicated May 2, 1850. It was de- 
signed for girls only and when the school 
was opened its pupils comprised the 
girls who had formerly attended the 
Hawes school. The building was named 



56 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




OLD BIGELOW SCHOOL. 

for Hon. John P. Bigelow, then mayor of 
Boston, who presented the school with a 
vahiable clock. The school afterwards 
became a mixed school with boys and 
girls occupying the same room, but in 
September, 1866, the boys and girls were 
placed in separate rooms. For some 
years past, however, the school has been 
occupied entirely by boys. The first 
master was Frederick Crafts, formerly 
master at the Hawes school. He re- 
signed in August, 1852, and was suc- 
ceeded by Joseph Hale, who served 
until 1862 ; he was followed by C. Good- 
win Clark who was headmaster until 
1865, when Henry C. Hardon, now mas- 
ter of the Shurtleff school, became prin- 
cipal. Mr. Hardon was succeeded by 
Thomas H. Barnes, now of the Gaston 
school, after which Frederic H. Ripley 
became master, and, in 1896, J. Gardner 
Bassett assumed charge. The sub-mas- 
ters have been as follows, C. Goodwin 
Clark, Joseph Hale, Granville B. Put- 
nam, H. H. Hall, Thomas H. Barnes, 
Fred O. Ellis, J. Gardner Bassett, W. 
Lawrence Murphy, John F. McGrath 
and C'arroll M. Austin. Among the 
pupils graduating from this school in the 
class of 1866 as Franklin medal schol- 
ars, the last year the Franklin medals 
were given in Boston grammar schools, 
were Albert D. Handy, Henry C. Hos- 
ley, the late Fred H. Fittlehale, Charles H. 



Johnson, Earl M. 
Gate and Charles 
C. Littlefield. This 
school has an 
alumni association 
comprising o\'er 
one hundred mem- 
bers, with the fol- 
lowing olificers : J. 
Carlton Nichols, 
president ; Charles 
C. Littlefield, sec- 
retary and Aaron 
Wolf son, treasurer. 
R e c e n tl y the old 
school building, 
w^hich was a brick 
structure of f o u r 
stories cost- 
ing about $40,000, 
was taken down and replaced by the 
costly new Bigelow school building, 
which will be fully adequate for the 
needs of this large district. 

The Hawes Hall and Simonds prim- 
ary schools on Broadway are also in this 
district. The teachers are as follows : 
Master, J. Gardner Bassett. Sub- 
Masters, John F. McGrath, Carroll M. 
Austin. First Assistants, Amelia B. Coe- 
Ellen Coe. Assistants, Martha A. Good- 
rich, Eleanor M. Jordan, Angeline S. 
INlorse, Marsfaret E. Roche, Sabina G. 




J. (,AKI)M I< I'.ASSLTT, HIGLLUW SCHOOL 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



57 



Sweeney, Frances Z. Whalen, Mary 
Nichols, Alice M. Robinson, Malvena 
Tenney, Josephine Crockett, Evelyn 
M. Howe, Katharine P. Kelley and Cath- 
arine H. Cook. Special Instructors, 
Manual Training, Sybel G. Brown, Louise 
H. Billings. 

PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 
HA WES-HALL SCHOOL, BROADWAY. 

First Assistant, Ann J. Lyon. As- 
sistants, Sarah D. McKissick, Ella F. 
Fitzgerald, Margarette H. Price, Laura 




XKW H 

[N PROCES 



OW SCHOOL. 

CONSTRUCTION 



S. Russell, Mary L. Howard and Julia A. 
Rourke. 

SIMONDS SCHOtJI., HROADWAY. 

Assistants, Annie S. McKissick, Julia 
G. Leary, Florence L. Spear. 

J. Gardner Bassett, master of the 
Bigelow school, was born in Bridge water, 
Mass. He obtained his early education 
in the schools of his native town, where 
he also fitted for his profession by tak- 
ing a four years' course at the Bridge- 
water State Normal School. He first 
commenced teaching in North Woburn, 
and later taught in Fall River. It was 
January 26, 1874, when he came to the 
Bigelow school as usher. In 1896 he 
was elected master and has served as 
such to the present time, and is now 



completing the twenty-eighth year of his 
connection with the school. Through 
the cooperation of Dr. William J. Galli- 
van, president of the school board, and 
Mr. J. Carlton Nichols, chairman of the 
sixth division committee, Mr. Bassett 
was instrumental in having the new 
Bigelow school building erected. With 
Mr. Charles C. Littlefield, he organized 
the Bigelow School xA.lumni Association, 
in June, 1900. This association, of 
which Mr. J. Carlton Nichols is presi- 
dent, will take an active part in the dedi- 
cation of the new building when 
it is completed. There are in the 
district about 1300 pupils. 

SHURTLEFF SCHOOL. 

The Shurtleff school for girls, 
located on Dorchester street, 
is one of the largest and best 
lighted in Boston. This school 
is the outgrowth of the Bigelow 
and was founded in 1869. Be- 
fore this time the Bigelow school 
embraced the territory now in 
its own district in addition to 
that of the Shurtleff and included 
a part of the present Hart school. 
The schools were then housed in 
eight buildings, four of which 
were rented. At the completion 
of the Shurtleff school building, 
the Shurtleff then formed its own 
separate district, H. C. Hardon, 
the master, being transferred from the 
Bigelow school. The building, which is 
named for Mayor Shurtleff, is identical 
to that of the Lyman school of Fast 
Boston. Since the school was organized, 
thirty-one classes have been graduated, 
comprising about 1,500 pupils. Of late 
years the graduating classes have ex- 
ceeded the average in scholarship of 
those of former years, indicating that 
their interest in their studies is of a high 
order. For the past nine years the 
school has possessed an association of 
graduates, members of which are vigor- 
ous defenders of their alma mater. In 
this district there is also the Clinch 
primary school on F street, and also a 
well attended kindergarten department. 
The teachers of the district are as follows : 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




SHURTLEFF SCHOOL. 



Master, Henry C. Hardon, First 
Assistant, Anna M. Penniman, First 
Assistant, Ellen E. Morse, Assistants, 
Katharine A. Dwyer, Jane M. Bullard, 
Winnifred C. Folan, Harriet S. Howes, 
Mary M. Clapp, Marion. W. Rundlett, 
Anna L. Scallan, Ella G. Fitzgerald, 
Marguerite S. Clapp, Margaret L. Nolan, 
Margaret M. Ring. Special Instructors : 
Cookery, Julia T. Crowley ; Sewing, M. 
Lillian Dunbar. 

PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
rL|N( II SCHOOL. F STIiKKT. 

First jlssistaiit, Lucy A. Dunham.' 
Assistants, Alice G. Dolbeare, Mary E. 
Morse, Alice C. Ryan, Lillian M. Hall, 
Florence G. Frazer, Katherine S. Nash, 
Janitor, John McLeod. 

KINDERGARTEN. 
SIUJKTLKKK SCHOOL, POUCIIKSTKU STIiKKT. 

J^rincipal, Frances S. Tufts, Assistant, 
Florence H. Murray. 

Henry C. Hardon, master of the 
Shurtleff school, was born in Mansfield, 
Mass., where he first attended school. 
When very young his parents moved to 
Virginia, where he attended private 
school, and later Martinsburg academy. 
He afterwards entered Berkley seminary. 
He first commenced teaching at the 
academy and later became a teacher of 



geometry at the seminary. In early 
manhood he engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits in Massachusetts, after which he 
became head teacher at the farm school. 
His first teaching in South Boston was 
as usher in the Hawes school. He after- 
wards became sub-master at the Mather 
and Lawrence schools and became 
master of the Bigelow in 1865. Nearly 
one hundred teachers have served under 
his long administration as master of the 
two districts which he has so ablv served. 




HENRY C. HARDON, SHURTLEFF SCHOOL. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



59 



LINCOLN SCHOOL. 

This school, situated on Broadway, 
between I and K streets, which has grad- 
uated many pupils who have become 
prominent in business and public life, 
was established in 1859, and dedicated 
September 17 of that year, was tirst occu- 
pied by both sexes. The building, which 
has ever since served its purpose well, is a 
large four-story brick structure, and first 
contained fourteen school rooms and 
hall. The school was named for one of 





fM!^^^(ffi^3ftt^i'S^iJI^K^^ 






vlfK'^ ^^HHH 


Iff'-- ^ 1 


~ifiii| 


Ml imt 


r ^ 1 


1 »ipM^I0^H 




1^-^ ^^"^M 



LINCOLN SCHOOL. 



the mayors of Boston, Frederick W. Lin- 
coln. In 1873 the school district was 
divided, the girls going to the Gaston 
school. Since that time this school has 
been occupied by boys. In 1889 the 
district was again divided, a portion 
of the pupils going to the Thomas N. 
Hart school. At this time one of the 
school rooms was converted into a mas- 
ter's office and since, the school has con- 
tained thirteen working school rooms. 
The late Alonzo G. Ham was then mas- 
ter of this school, but when the Thomas 
N. Hart school was opened, he assumed 
charge there, taking with him a number 
of teachers, including sub-master John F. 
Dwight, who is now principal of the 
Thomas N. Hart school. Mr. Ham was 
one of the most popular masters in the 
service of the city. When the Gaston 



school was erected, C. Goodwin Clark, 
then master at the Lincoln school, was 
transferred there and Mr. Ham, who was 
the sub-master, was given full charge. 
The present master, Mr. Maurice P. 
White, came to the school in 1889. The 
Tuckerman primary school, E. Fourth 
street, and the Choate Burnham primary 
and kindergarten school on E. Third 
street are in this district. The teachers 
in this district are as follows : 

Master, Maurice P. White, Sub-Mas- 
ter, \\'illiam 
E. Perry, 
Charles N. 
B e n 1 1 e y , 
First Assist- 
ant, Martha 
F.Wright. 
Assistants, 
Josephine 
A. Simon- 
ton, Hattie 
E. Sargeant, 
Louise 
A. Pie per, 
Florence O. 
Be an. Vo- 
disa J. Co- 
mey. Annie 
M.^Mulca- 
hy, Ellen A. 
McMahon, 
Hannah L. 
Manson, Jennie M. Pray, Agnes G. Nash. 
Speeial Instructor. Manual Training, 
Olive I. Harris. 



TUCKERMAN SCHOOL. 

First Assistant, Elizabeth M. Easton. 
Assistants, Ellen V. Courtney, Mary A. 
Crosby, Ella M. Kennift", Mary F. Lind- 
say, Anna E. Somes. 

CHOATK BURNHAM SCHOOL. 

First Assistant, Laura L. Newhall, ^-ij-- 
sistants, Kate A. Coolidge, Eleanor F. 
Elton, Helen M. Canning, Daisy E. 
Welch, Helen A. Emery, Rachel W. 
Washburn. Janitor, (^eorge L. Dacey. 

KINDERGARTEN. 
CIIOATK KIRNIIAM SCHOOL, EAST THIRD STREET 

Principal, Marita M. Burdett. Assist- 
ant, Annie E. Pousland. 



6o 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



GASTON SCHOOL. 

The Gaston school was dedicated in 
1873. It took the girls of the Lincoln 
school, leaving that a boys' school, in 
charge of Alonzo G. Ham. 

The building is delightfully situated 
on Fifth street, corner of L street. It is 
one of the best lighted and best venti- 
lated school buildings in Boston. No 
account of the Gaston school would be 
complete without the mere mention of 
Charles Goodwin Clark. He was born 




CASTON SCHOOL. 

in Connecticut in 1826. His early life 
was spent on a farm. His preparation 
for teaching was at the state normal 
school at New Britain, when John I). 
Philbrick was principal. Before coming 
to Boston he was principal of a grammar 
school in New Haven, also at Pough- 
keepsie. New York, where he was super- 
intendent of schools. He came to Boston 
at the solicitation of John I). Philbrick. 
He at once took high rank among his 
associates in Boston. He died suddenly, 
lamented by his own teachers and pupils, 
by his brother teachers and by the com- 
munity in which he was so well known. 



This school has a membership of 950. 
The teachers of the district are as fol- 
lows : 

Master, Thomas H. Barnes; First 
Assistants, Juliette R. Hayward, Sarah 
C. Winn ; Assistants, Carrie M. King- 
man, Clara A. Sharp, Mary B. Barry, 
Carrie A. Harlow, Emogene F. Willett, 
Ellen R. Wyman, Emma M. Sibley, Jose- 
phine A. Powers, J. Adelaide Noonan, 
M. Isabel Harrington, Jennie G. Car- 
michael, Lila Huckins and Agnes R. 
Leahy. Sp e c i a I Instructors, 
Cookery,Julia T. Crowley. Sew- 
ing, Mary E. Patterson. /(^///V^r, 
Albion Elwell. Truant-officer, 
James Bragdon. 

PILGRIM HALL SCHOOL. 
732 BROADWAY. 

Assistants, Mary S. Laughton, 
Florence E. Bryan. 

PRIMARY SCHOOL. 
I'.EXJAMIX POPE SCHOOL, O STREET. 

First Assistant, Ella R. John- 
son. Assistants, Katharine J. 
McMahon, Carrie W. Haydn, 
Mary E. Dee, Lelia R. Haydn, 
Isabella J. Murray, Louise E. 
Means and Katherine E. Goode. 
Janitor, Charles H. Carr. 

KINDERCJARTEN. 
EAST FOURTH-STREET SCHOOL. 

Assistants, Grace L. Sanger, 
Katharine Macdonald. 

Thomas H. Barnes, master 
of the Gaston school, was born 
in Waltham, Mass. The house in which 
he was born is on the spot where his ances- 
tor, Daniel Warren, son of John Warren, 
built in 1 636. It was then a part of Water- 
town. He is in the sixth generation from 
Jolin Warren, his grandmother marrying 
Samuel Barnes. His father was Thomas 
Barnes, and his mother was Adaline 
Lawrence, born in Lexington. 

His early life was that of the ordinary 
boy on the farm, attending school a few 
months in the winter when his services 
were not needed on the farm. Farm 
work not being congenial, he early de- 
cided to be a teacher if possible. He 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



6i 



prepared at the Bridgewater normal 
school, Nicholas Tillinghast, principal. 

After teaching two terms in district 
schools, he took charge of the Hancock 
grammar school, Lexington. Leaving 
there he became principal of the Hacker 
school, Salem, which he left in 1865 to 
be sub-master in the Bigelow school, 
South Boston. He was promoted to the 
mastership in 1869, and occupied that 
position until i88g, when he was trans- 
ferred to the Gaston school upon the 
death of his friend, Charles Goodwin 
Clark. Mr. Barnes was married at 




THOMAS H. BARNES, GASTON SCHOOL. 

Salem, in i860, to Louisa J. Varney. 
They have had four children, only one 
of whom is now living, William Thomas, 
at present resident engineer of the Balti- 
more & Ohio railroad. 

Mr. Barnes belongs to the Masonic 
order and he is a member of several 
beneficiary orders. 

He is a member of the Broadway Uni- 
versalist Society and holds offices of hon- 
or and trust in the denomination at large. 

THOMAS N. HART SCHOOL. 

This is one of the new type of schools 
erected in recent years by the city of 
Boston, built to relieve the much crowded 
Lincoln school district, and was dedicated 
in December, 1889. The late Alonzo 
G. Ham, master of the Lincoln school 



for many years, was chosen master 
of the new school where he remained 
until his death in 1895, when he was 
succeeded by John F. Dwight. When 
Mr. Ham assumed charge at the school 
he took with him as teachers, John F. 
Dwight, sub-master, Miss M. J. Stewart, 
first assistant, Miss J. F. McKissick, 
Miss Mary B. Powers, Miss Sarah M. 
Tripp, Miss Idelia Provan, Miss A. G. 
Hyde, and Miss Bertha Peirce. When 
the school was opened it was dedicated 
with appropriate exercises. Hon. Charles 
T. Gallagher, then chairman of the school 
committee and the late Dr. L. D. Packard 
chairman of the district committee, both 
were present and took an active part. 
Mayor Thomas N. Hart was also there, 
as was ex-Governor John D. Long, now 
secretary of the navy, who delivered the 
oration. A letter was read from ex- 
Mayor Lincoln. Edwin P. Seaver sup- 
erintendent of the Boston schools was 
among the guests. The musical program 
was in charge of H. E. Holt, now de- 
ceased. The average attendance here 
is about ninety-six per cent, which is re- 
markable. The Benjamin Dean school 
with primary and grammar grades is in 
this district. In all departments of the 
work the present master, Mr. Dwight, 
has the hearty cooperation and earnest 
support of parents as well as pupils. A 
large kindergarten is connected with the 
school. The school stands on historic 
ground ; and on one of the hills on which 
the fortifications were placed which made 
it necessary for General Howe to remove 
his army at the evacuation of Boston, 
The teachers at this school are : 

Alaster, John F. Dwight. Sub-Master, 
John D. Philbrick. First Assistant, 
Margaret J. Stewart. Assistants, Jennie 

F. McKissick, Mary B. Powers, Emma 
T. Channell, Fannie G. Patten, Anastasia 

G. Hyde, Bertha Peirce, Florence Harlow, 
Carrie L. Prescott, Maud C. Tinkham, 
Mary E. Donnelly. Special Instructor, 
Manual Training, Helen F. Veasey. 

PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 
THOMAS N. HART .SCHOOL. 

Assistants, M. Edna Cherrington, Mary 
F. Keyes. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



CAPEN SCHOOL, CORNER OF I AND SIXTH 
STREETS. 

First Assistant, Mary E. Powell. As- 
sista/its, Laura J. Gerry, Mary E. Perkins, 
Ella M. Warner, Mary E. Farrell, S. 




IHOMAS N. HART SCHOOL. 



Louella Sweeney. Janitor, Artemas D. 
Bickford. 

BENJAMIN DEAN SCHOOL, CORNER OF H. AND 
SIXTH STREETS. 

Assistants, ?A-elyn M. Condon, Lura 
M. Power, Anna T. Mahar. 

KINDERGARTEN. 

BENJAMIN DEAN SCHOOL, CORNER OF H AND 
SIXTH STREETS. 

J'rincipa/, Mary I. Hamilton. Assist- 
ants, Alice J. Sughrue, M. Isabel Wigley, 
Gertrude C. L. Vasque. 

John Francis Dwight, master of the 
Thomas N. Hart school, was born in 
Plymouth, Mass., August 20, 1844. He 
is a son of Rev. John Dwight, born in 
Shirley, Mass., January 2, 1810, and 
Sally Ann (Hastings) Dwight, born in 
Boston, October 5, 18 15. On the mater- 
nal side he is descended from Thomas 
Hastings, who settled in Watertown. in 
1634. He is also a descendant of Sam- 
uel Hastings, born in Watertown, in 



1750, who carried on a store there in 
1777, being sent to Philadelphia, with 
pass from John Hancock to deliver im- 
portant papers to George Washington 
during the revolution. He purchased 
the old Eliot prop- 
erty at the corner 
of Essex and Wash- 
ington streets, 
where stood the 
"Liberty Tree" 
destroyed by the 
British during the 
siege of Boston. 
John F. Dwight 
took his prepara- 
tory studies at Phil- 
lips Exeter Acade- 
my, and after tak- 
ing the advanced 
course there, in 
1867 entered Har- 
vard College in the 
sophomore class, 
being graduated 
from that college 
in 1870. He then 
took a class at the 
academy, Rail- 
way, N. J., where he continued teaching 
for six years. Li 1876 he took the position 
of principal of the Cummings school at 
Woburn ; and, in November, 1877. be- 




DWKUrr. ILVRT SCHO(JL 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



63 



came sub-master at the Lincoln school in 
South Boston. After serving twelve years 
at the Lincoln he was transferred to the 
Thomas N. Hart school, December, 
1889, and upon the death of Alonzo G. 
Ham was elected master in 1895. Mr. 
Dwight was for six years a resident of 
Thomas Park but now lives with his 
family in Weymouth. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Nellie L. Woodruf, 
daughter of John \A'oodruf of Rahway, 
N. J., and the union has been blessed 
with four children ; Helen Hastings, 
Bernard W., Edith Marion and John 
Francis, Jr., the last two of whom are 
now living. Mr. Dwight comes of a 
family much interested in music, John S. 
Dwight, his ancestor, being the origi- 
nator of the symphony concerts. Mr. 
Dwight has always been prominent in 
musical circles and, during his attend- 
ance at Phillips Plxeter, became a direc- 
tor of church and academy music. He 
was gifted with a fine baritone voice and 
is a lover and good judge of high class 
music. 

JOHN A. ANDREW SCHOOL. 

This grammar school at Washington 
Village is the only mixed grammar school 
in South Boston, at the present time, and 
it is one of the most comfortable build- 
ings in Boston. It was in 1878, that 
the present building was erected and 
named in honor of John A. Andrew, the 
famous war governor of 
Massachusetts. The district 
was founded in 1862, and 
the school was held in the 
Ticknor building located at 
the corner of Dorchester 
and Vinton streets. 'Lhe 
present site c o m p ri s e s 
twenty-four thousand feet of 
land and the building in the 
accompanying illustration 
contains fifteen school- 
rooms and an unusually fine 
hall, and master's ofiices. 
In the basement of this 
school, in January, 1901, a 
branch reading room of the 
South Boston Public Lib- 
rary was established^which 



will be a great convenience to the people 
of that vicinity. Mr. Leander Waterman 
became master of the school July 15, 
1873 and served until 1881, when he was 
succeeded by Joshua M. Dill. The John 
A. Andrew school contains, in 1901, 789 
pupils. The Ticknor primary school and 
kindergarten at the Methodist chapel 
school on Vinton street are also within its 
boundaries. The teachers of the district 
are as follows : 

Master, Joshua M. Dill. Sub-Master. 
Edgar L. Raub. First Assistant, Emma 
M. Cleary. Assistants, Mary L. Fitz- 
gerald, Alice T. Cornish, Bertha E. 
Miller, Olga A. F. Stegelmann, Anna 
M. Edmands, Sarah E. Connelly, Alice 
E. Dacy, Agnes M. Cochran, Annie M. 
Zbrosky, Mary E. Bernhard, Ellen M. 
Collins, Ethel A Borden, Annie L. Clapp. 
Special Instructors, Cookery, Julia T. 
Crowley. Manual Training, Louise H. 
Billings. Sewing, Elizabeth S. Kenna. 

TICKNOR SCHOOL. 

First Assistant, Mary A. Jenkins. 
Assistants, Sarah E. Ferry, Alice P. 
Howard, Sarah E. Welch, Alice L. Lit- 
tlefield, Grace E. Holbrook, Annie M. 
Driscoll, Emily F. Hodsdon, Annie C. 
O'Reilly, Mary C. Gartland, Charlotte 
C. Hamblin. 

KINDERGARTEN. 

Principal, Isabel B. Trainer. Assist- 
ant, Efiie M. Charnock. 




64 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Mr. Joshua M. Dill, the master of the 
John A. Andrew School, was born on 
Cape Cod in the town of Wellfleet. After 
his early education was attained he taught 
school in his native town. He after- 
wards attended the state normal school 
at Bridgewater for two years, graduating 
in 1870. After teaching at Bridgewater he 
re-entered normal school and took the 
advanced course. He then resumed 
teaching, this time at Natick, shortly 
after which he was called to the Ouincv 




JOSHUA M. DILL, JOHN A. ANDREW SCHOOL. 

school in Boston. In March, 1874, he 
was elected sub-master at the John A. 
Andrew school, and, since December, 
1 88 1, he has ably served as its prin- 
cipal. Mr. Dill is a thorough disciplinarian 
of a kindly but firm disposition, and 
possesses the store of knowledge acquired 
only by a hard and willing student. For 
many years he resided on Mount Vernon 
street, Dorchester, but recently removed 
with his family to Newton. He is a 
past master of Joseph Webb Lodge and 
a member of De Molay Commandery 
K. T., and an officer of the grand lodge 
F. & A. M., also president of the Boston 
Teachers' Mutual Benefit Association ; 
one of the trustees of the Public School 
Teachers' Retirement Fund and was, for 
many years, a director of the Guardian 
and Homestead Co-operative banks. 



CHURCHES. 

ST. Matthew's church. 

St. Matthews Episcopal church was in- 
corporated June 16, 18 1 6. Previous to 
this date, the parish was organized, and 
on March 24, of that same year, a 
number of persons assembled in the 
house of Mr. Abraham Gould, and took 
steps toward holding regular services. 

Informal services were held in 181 5, 
but nothing definite was accomplished 
until Mr. Cotting, a teacher, became in- 
terested, and held services in the school 
on G. street. These services were well 
attended, and Mr. Cotting continued to 
officiate until June 21, 1818. In 1817, 
the first house of worship was erected in 
South Boston and called St. Matthews 
P^piscopal church. It was located on 
Broadway near the corner of E street. 
Bishop Alexander V. Griswold conse- 
crated the building June 24, 18 18, and 
became nominally the first rector. The 
expense for the erection of the church 
was largely paid by the members of 
Trinity, and Christ churches. The rectors 
of these respective parishes came over 
at regular intervals, and officiated. The 
land for the church was bought of Mr. 
Abraham Gould, and the altar set was 
the gift of the women of Christ church. 
The women of Trinity church provided 
the pulpit, lectern and chancel. Mrs. 
Elizabeth B. \A'inthrop was a generous 
contributor. 

Mr. Addison Searle assisted Mr. Cot- 
ting, and from July 5, 181 7, until March 
30, 18 1 9, read the services. R. G. 
Parker followed until September 19, the 
same year and then came Mr. Theodore 
Edsen, Isaac Boyle, and J. H. Price. 

Mr. Edsen served as lay reader until 
March 19, 1824. The first ordained 
clergyman in charge of the parish was 
the Rev. J. L. Blake, who began his 
duties Jvme, 1824. In 1831 the church 
building was enlarged. When the church 
was first erected, tombs were built in the 
cellar, and permission was granted by 
the board of health to use and occupy 
them for burial purposes. This was the 
first burial place in South Boston and 
was used until the buildine: was sold to 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



65 




ST. MATTHEW S CHURCH. 

the Free Masons in 1859. The last 
service was held there Dec. 16, i860. 

The rectors after Dr. Blake have been 
in the following order : 

The Rev. Mark Anthony DeWolfe 
Howe, D.D., 1832 ; the Rev. E. M. P. 
Wells, D.D., 1834; the Rev. H. L. 
Connolly, 1835; the Rev. Joseph H. 
Clinch, D.D., 1835 ; the Rev." Frederick 
Wilson, M.A., i860; the Rev. J. L T. 
Coolidge, D.D., 1861 ; the Rev. John 
Wright, D.D., 1874; the Rev. Albert 

E. George, M.A., S.T.B., 1888. 

The Rev. Frederick Wilson was the 
rector when the first services were held 
in the new edifice, on Broadway, near 

F. street, its present site. This edifice 
was enlarged during the rectorship of Dr. 
Coolidge. The Rev. Dr. Wright made 
ample accommodations for the Sunday- 
school and other organizations, by placing 
a large room with additions underneath 
the church. It was during the rector- 
ship of these two clergymen, that the 
parish took an interest in missionary 
work in the locality, and started Grace 
church in 1872, which it finally transferred 



to the city board of missions, and then, 
at the Point, St. Matthews chapel was 
begun. 

St. Matthews church is now thejonly 
independent, self-supporting Episcopal 
church in this community. Under the 
rectorship of the Rev. A. E. George, an 
effort was made by this parish to 
obtain a rectory. This was accomplished 
solely through his efforts. In 1895 the 
present commodious house was purchased 
by him through a legacy from the estate 
of Agnes H. Smith, and called " The 
Phillips Brooks Rectory." Several other 
large and important movements were 
inaugurated in the parish, which have 
resulted in making it the best equipped 
missionary parish in the diocese. The 
present rector, Rev. Albert E. George, 
was born in Boston, and was educated 
at Trinity school. New York City. He 
took the degree of B.A. from St. 
Stephen's College in 1875 and M.A. in 
1878. He took the degree of S.T.B. 
in 1880 from the General Theological 
Seminarv where he was graduated in 
1878. 

He has served as chaplain of the 
church home at City Point and the Brit- 




REV. A. E. GEORGE. 



66 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



ish Charitable Society. His first pastor- 
ate was at St. George's church, Lee, 
Mass., where he was stationed from 1878 
to 1 88 1. He then took charge of St. 
James parish, Groveland, Mass., where 
he remained until 1887, becoming rec- 
tor of St. Matthews, where he is dearly 
beloved, in 1888. 

THE HAWES CHURCH, 

The Hawes Place society originated 
in the desire of several individuals, most 
of whom were members of Rev. Mr. 
Harris's society in Dorchester, to have a 
nearer place of worship. As early as 
June, 1807, Mr. John Hawes had given 
a piece of lancl to the inhabitants of 
South Boston, on which a house for pub- 
lic worship was to be erected. In the 
year 18 10, he united with his neighbors 
in erecting a temporary place of worship, 
and Mr. Thomas Pierce, of Milton, was 
the first pastor. He was followed by 





HAWES UNITARIAN CHURCH. 



REV. JAMES HUXTABLE. 

Mr. Zephaniah Wood. In 1818, the 
Hawes Place Congregational society was 
incorporated and their place of worship 
was enlarged, so as to have the dimen- 
sions of sixty by twenty feet. It was 
unpainted and had the appearance of a 
rope walk, and was quite often so called. 
After the death of Mr. Wood, which 
occurred in 1822, Rev. Lemuel Capen 
succeeded him in 1823, as minister of 
the society, and was installed in 1827. 

Mr. Hawes died in 1829 ; and by a 
provision of his will, a part of the income 
of his estate was to be appropriated and 
applied forever to the support of public 
worship in this church in South Boston. 

In 1832, by a munificent donation of 
Mr. Hawes, a new church was built at 
the junction of what is now Emerson 
and Fourth streets, and near the site of 
the old building. In this church the 
society worshipped until 1886, and under 
the authority of the Supreme Court of 
Massachusetts, in 1887, removed to the 
Broadway church. In 1889 the name 
of the " Hawes Place Congregational 
Society" was changed by legislative en- 
actment to the " Hawes Unitarian Con- 
gregational church." It is a free church 
and is chieHy supported by yearly appro- 
priations from the " John Hawes Fund." 
The pastors who have succeeded those 
already mentioned are as follows : — 
Revs. Charles C. Shackford, George W. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



^7 



Lippitt, Thomas Dawes, James J. Hewes, 
Frederick Hinckley, George A. Thayer, 
Herman Bisbee, John F. Button, Charles 
B. Elder and James Huxtable. 

Rev. James Huxtable has presided 
over the Hawes Unitarian church for 
eleven years, during which time the par- 
ish has made much progress. He was 
born in Bristol, England, in 1849. His 
clerical education was obtained in New 
York, and he was ordained to the min- 
istry in the city of Buffalo. His first 
charge was in Newburgh, N. Y., where 
he gave promise of becoming a noted 
preacher. Before coming to South Bos- 
ton he was pastor of a church in Hyde 
Park, Mass., for seven years. He is 
loved by his parishioners, who include 
many of the best known of South Bos- 
ton's older residents. Mr. Huxtable 
takes a deep interest in the affairs of 
South Boston, and has been foremost 
among those endeavoring to preserve 
its moral tone. He is a member of Rab- 
boni Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Boston 
Association of Ministers. 

SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH. 

The church of SS. Peter and Paul is 
the second oldest Roman Catholic church 
in Boston. In 18 18 Bishop Chevrus 
purchased land here for a cemetery, upon 
which was erected a small chapel as a 
mausoleum. The population was gradu- 
ally growing and it was quite a distance to 
go to the Cathedral ; so a priest was sent 
over every Sunday to conduct mass. In 
1833 the chapel became too small to ac- 
commodate the large number of worship- 
ers, and the building had to be enlarged. 
The small edifice was known as St. 
Augustine's chapel, and stands to-day in 
the old St. Augustine's burying ground 
on Dorchester street. From 1833 to 1836, 
Rev. Thomas Lynch was pastor ; Rev. 
John Mahoney, 1836 to 1839; Rev. 
Michael Lynch, 1839, and Rev. Terence 
Fitzsimmons, 1840 to 1845. When the 
free bridges from the city were opened, a 
vast number took up their residence in 
the lower section. This made it neces- 
sary to erect a new edifice which was 
built on the site of the present church. 
It was dedicated in 1845 and for the 




CHURCH OF SS. PETER AND PAUI,. 

next twenty years the Catholic people of 
this district worshipped there. Many 
also came here from neighboring towns 
during the early days of this church. 
On Sept. 7, 1848, the entire church, with 
the exception of the side walls, was 
destroyed by fire. This conflagration 
necessitated a division of the flock. St. 
Augustine's chapel was re-opened and a 
hall was secured on Fourth street for the 
remainder. 

In 1853, Father Fitzsimmons was sup- 
erseded by Rev. P. F. Lyndon and the 
work of rebuilding was carried on. The 
new edifice was dedicated November 24, 
1853. Aparochial school was about that 
time established under the direction of the 



68 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



sisters of Notre Dame. Father Lyndon was 
succeeded by Rev. William A. Blenkin- 
sop, under whose direction the school 
was enlarged. Father Blenkinsop was a 
kind, loving, and devoted pastor, and the 
parish was greatly strengthened by him. 
He died in 1892, and since that time the 
afifairs of the parish have been in charge 
of Rt. Rev. Bishop John J. Brady, who 




RIGHT REV, BISH( 



:\ J. 



had, for several years been in charge of 
the parish at Amesbury. Since coming 
here he has done eiTective work and 
through his efforts the entire debt of the 
church has been paid. He has also 
beautified the church property in many 
particulars. The building has been ren- 
ovated, the interior painted, and the 
rectory enlarged. A few years ago this 
parish lost by the taking of land and 
property for railway purposes. The parish 
is still one of the most prosperous in the 



state. Associated with Bishop Brady, as 
curates, are Revs. Denis J. Sullivan, 
Walter J. Brown and William B. Whalen. 
Rt. Rev. John J. Brady, pastor of SS. 
Peter and Paul church, also Bishop of 
the diocese of Boston, was born in Ire- 
land, and ordained a priest in December, 
1866. Coming to Boston he was as- 
signed with Bishop Fitzpatrick of Boston 
and sent to Newburyport, where he 
built a church. He was afterwards 
assigned to Amesbury. There he con- 
tinued his successful work as a pastor, 
built a church, a convent and a school, 
and on retiring from the parish left all 
clear of debt. He was consecrated Bish- 
op, August 5, i8gi, on the occasion of 
the feast of Our Lady of the Snow. He 
came to SS. Peter and Paul church in this 
district in 1892 to take charge of this 
old and historic parish. Since taking 
up his official residence in South Boston, 
in addition to fulfilling the arduous 
duties of Bishop, he has managed the 
affairs of the local parish most success- 
fully. Beside building a costly school 
building for boys, and the new and 
stately parochial residence adjoining the 
church, at a combined cost of not less 
than one hundred thousand dollars, dur- 
ing the past seven years the entire debt 
of the church amounting to seventy- 
thousand dollars, has been obliterated by 
him, the last payment of which was 
made in February, 1901. In the near 
future a marble altar will be placed in 
the church and the edifice will be con- 
secrated. Bishop Brady is a man of 
sterling qualities ; kind, loving and con- 
siderate of his fellow-men, he possesses 
those attributes which never fail to com- 
mend the admiration of ever)' true 
thinking man. He is much belo\ed not 
only in the parish over which he presides, 
but throughout the entire diocese. 

PHILLIPS CHURCH. 

Phillips church has the proud distinc- 
tion of being one of the five oldest con- 
gregational churches in Boston. This 
society was founded in 1823. Harris 
Hall was the first place of worship of 
the founders, situated on Fourth street 
between D and E streets. In a short 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



69 



time this primitive hall was outgrown, and 
the congregation began to worship in 
Union Hall on Fourth street, between B 
and C streets. With the aid of increased 
members, a new building was erected at 
the corner of A street and Broadway. 
In 1834 the society was incorporated 
under the title of the Phillips Church 
Society of Boston. The present edifice 
was erected in 1879, the steeple being 
slightly altered in 1900. Several pas- 
tors of this society are men of national 
prominence, including Dr. Alden, secre- 
tary of the American board. Dr. Clark, 
president of the Christian Endeavor So- 
ciety, Dr. Meredith, pastor of the largest 
Congregational church in Brooklyn, and 
Dr. Temple, one of the most eloquent 
preachers of the Pacific slope. Phillips 
chapel on Seventh street, erected in 1874, 
is supported as a branch of Phillips 
church, the work of which is in charge 
of the assistant pastor. 

Charles Allen Dinsmore, pastor of 
Phillips church, is a native of New York 




City, and was born August 4, i860. In 
his youth he attended the common 
schools and fitted himself for college, 
receiving his degree from Dartmouth 
College and Kentucky University. Prior 
to entering Yale College he spent several 
years in the south and west. His first 
charge was the Suburban New Haven 




PHILLIPS 



RK\'. C. A. DINSMORE. 

church. From there he went to Willi- 
mantic. Conn., from whence he was 
called to his present church. Mr. Dins- 
more is a deep thinker, a forcible preach- 
er and greatly esteemed in the community. 
He is president of the Yale Divinity 
Alumni and a frequent contributor of 
scholarly articles to the Atlantic Monthly. 
Rev. Percy H. Epler, assistant pastor 
of Phillips church, was born in Illinois, 
July 19, 1872. He is the son of Judge 
Cyrus Kpler of the circuit court of that 
state. He attended a preparatory school 
and graduated from Illinois College in 
1892. He then went to Yale College, 
where he remained during 1892-93, and 
graduated from Yale Divinity school in 
1890, and the sameyear became assistant 
pastor at Phillips church. 



St. John's Methodist Episcopal church, 
one of the oldest in South Boston, is the 
outcome of the work started as far back 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



as 1810. Through the efforts of Mrs. 
Robinson, an aged widow, and a devoted 
Methodist, Thomas C. Pierce of Milton 
was induced to hold services at her 
house. This young man. a carpenter by 
trade, built the first meeting house here. 




ST. JOHN S M. K. CHURCH. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Zephaniah 
Wood. In 1825 a building was erected 
at the corner of Broadway and C street. 
This attempt was a failure and the prop- 
erty was sold to the Baptists. In 1834 
the church was permanently established, 
and Rev. Abel Stevens preached the 
first sermon. In 1840 the society 
founded a place of worship and held 
services there for twenty-five years, where 
the following pastors did service. Rever- 



ends J. S. Thomas, J. H. Owen, E, W. 
Virgin, N. Stutson, William Butler, Wil- 
liam McDonald, F. K. Statton, J. C. 
Smith, Jesse W'agner, N. T. Whitaker, 
G. L. CoUyer and M. E. Wright. Dur- 
ing the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Hanaford, 
land was secured on Broadway upon 
which the present handsome edifice 
stands. A new structure was nearly 
completed when a gale blew down the 
steeple and demolished the church. Then 
began the struggle to erect a new build- 
ing. Through the efforts of Rev. J. H. 
Twombly, D.D., and Rev. G. A. Craw- 
ford, the enormous debt which hung 
over the church was cancelled. Later 
the two Methodist churches united, and 
at the conference Rev. R. L. Greene was 
appointed pastor. He was followed by 
Reverends S. L. Baldwin, D.D., L. A. 
Banks, D.D., W. T. Perrin, R. L. Greene 
and Fred'k H. Knight, D.D. In 1895 
the last dollar of debt was paid, the 
occasion being observed with general 
rejoicing and festivities. 

Rev. Frederick H. Knight, pastor of 
St. John's Methodist Episcopal church, 
is a native of Saco, Me., and was born 
in 1859. He was educated in public 
schools and Dartmouth College, being 
graduated in 1882. He further studied 
at Boston University Theological school, 
graduating in 1885. In 1899 he re- 




REV. FREDERICK H. KNKIHT, D.l 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



71 



ceived the degree of Ph.D. from the 
School of All Sciences of Boston Uni- 
versity. His first pastorate was in Put- 
ney, Vt., from which he went to Wollas- 
ton, Mass. He next took up his labors 
at Jamaica Plain, afterwards being 
appointed pastor of Grace church, Spring- 
tield, Mass. On completion of his work 
there he went abroad and studied one 
year at Berlin University ; and, after 
returning home, he was assigned to 
Wesley church, Salem. Upon the com- 
pletion of his pastorate at Salem, he was 
transferred, in April, 1900, to preside 
over St. John's church in this district. 
He is an able preacher, a deep student 
of theology, and his coming to his pres- 
ent charge was a source of gratification 
to his thriving congregation. He is 
married, has two children, and resides at 
779 Broadway, the house formerly occu- 
pied by Rev. R. L. Greene, his prede- 
cessor at this church. 

SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist church was established 
here about 1825 by Jacob Flinn, who 
held prayer meetings at his house. From 
this a Sabbath school developed, and in 
1827, through the efforts of 
Samuel Hill, a place of worship 
was secured. The church was 
organized as a branch of the 
Federal-street c h u r c h . The 
membership grew rapidly, and, 1 
in 1829, the frame of the Han- 
over-street church was set up 
at the corner of Broadway and 
C street. The building was 
dedicated July 22, 1830. The 
following year the branch ,-, ^, 
formed itself into an independ- 
ent body, known as the South 
Baptist church. April, 1829. 
Rev. Thomas Driver became 
the pastor and served for one 
year. He was f o 1 lo wed by 
Rev. RoUin H. Neale and, in 
May, 1834, by Rev. Timothy 
R. Cressy. Rev. Thomas 
Driver was recalled in 1838 
and remained five years. A 
chapel was erected at the 
corner of L and Fourth streets, 



and four years later the Fourth-street 
Baptist church was formed. Feeling the 
necessity of a new church, the old one 
was sold in 1866, and arrangements were 
made for the purchase of land at the cor- 
ner of Broadway andF street. The church, 
after being built, was dedicated in 1868. 
Rev. G. S. Abbott, then pastor, was suc- 
ceeded by Reverends J. S. Dickerson, 
Henry A. Cordo, John H. Barrows, 
Thomas D. Anderson, D. B. Jutten, A. T. 
Sowerbyand Fred M. Gardner. In 1899 
the church property at the corner of F 
street and Broadway was sold, and the 
members united with the Fourth-street 
society, the debts of both churches were 
paid and continued under the name of 
the South Baptist Society. 

Rev. Frederick M. Gardner, pastor of 
the South Baptist church, was born in 
Salem, March 24, 1858. After studying 
in his native city he entered Colby Uni- 
versity, graduating in 1 88 1 , being licensed 
to preach the previous year. He then 
entered Newton Theological seminary, 
completing his course in 1884. While 
yet a student he officiated as pastor of 
the First church at Winthrop, where he 
was ordained in May, 1883. His next 







SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 



72 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




REV. FREDKRICR M. (lARDNER. 

pastorate was at the Second church in 
Lawrence. After seven years devoted 
labor there he was called to the Central 
church in East Boston. For five years 
he served as spiritual adviser of that 
church from whence he was called to the 
South Baptist church, and commenced 
his duties on its union with the Fourth 
street church. 

BROADWAY UNI VERBALIST. 

The parish of the Broadway Uni\er- 
salist church dates from 1830, the church 
organization from 1835. In its early 
history it was known as the Fourth Uni- 
versalist church of Boston. December 
25, 1835, the organization of the church 
took place, in which eminent Universa- 
list divines took part, Drs. Benjamin 
Whittemore, Sebastian Streeter, Sylvanus 
Cobb, Thomas F. King and Hosea 
Ballou. The first meetings of the society 
were lield in Fyceuin Hall, then on 
Broadway, after which it erected a church 
building on the corner of B street and 
Broadway. In 1868 the present edifice 
on Broadway, between G and H streets, 
was erected. In 1872 the church was 
reorganized under its present name. 
The pastors, up to the present incum- 
bent, have been Revs. Benjamin Whitte- 
more, Theodore Cook, Calvin Damon, 
W. W. Dean, J. S. Cantwell, I. Knowl- 



ton, J. J. Lewis and I. P. Quimby. The 
present officers of the parish organiza- 
tion are : Moderator, Mr. Thomas H, 
Barnes ; Standing Committee, Mr. Rob- 
ert B. Henderson. Mr. Samuel A. Wise, 
Miss Lizzie Fitzgerald, Miss Alice G. 
Dolbear, Miss Caroline F. Elliot, Mr. 
Frank W. Reed and Mr. Millard Wood- 
son. 

Rev. Alfred J. Cardall, pastor of the 
Church of our Father, was born in Lon- 
don, England, and came to this country 
in 1 88 1. After spending several years 
in the west he decided to enter the clergy, 
and after attending preparatory school 
came east to Tufts College, Medford, to 
pursue his theological studies, and grad- 
uated with his degree in 1895. He was 
then called to his present pastorate. Mr. 
Cardall is one of the prominent factors 
and was general secretarv of the Young 




BROADWAY UNIVERSALIS!' CHURCH. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



73 



People's Church Union. He is also 
chaplain of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M. 
and a director in the New England Sab- 
bath Protective League and the Univer- 
salist Sunday School Union. In the 
exercise of his ministerial functions Mr. 




REV. ALFRED ). CARDALL. 

Cardall has been preeminently success- 
ful. He is much beloved by his congre- 
gation, who have on several occasions 
testified their love for him. 

GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH. 

From a territorial standpoint the 
Gate of Heaven church is the largest in 
this section of the city, and in point of 
numbers it is second only to St. Augus- 
tine's parish. SS. Peter and Paul church 
at one time being the only parish here; 
when the population increased it ap- 
peared expedient to form a parish at 
City Point to accommodate those living in 
that vicinity, so a plain brick building 
was erected at the corner of Fourth and 
I streets. This place of worship was 
dedicated on the nineteenth of March, 
1863. This edifice was presided over by 
Rev. P. F. Lyndon, then rector of the 
older church. Rev. William A. Blen- 
kinsop also devoted much of his time and 
attention to the congregation. The church 



membership increased rapidly, and in 
1865, Rev. James Sullivan was appointed 
the first resident pastor. He remained here 
for three years, during which time he 
built a residence beside the church, im- 
provements upon which were made by 
many of the succeeding pastors. Father 
Sullivan was followed by Rev. Emiliano 
Gherbi, an Italian Franciscan who re- 
mained for five years. He was a con- 
scientious pastor and his devotion to 
Christian duties endeared him in the 
hearts of his parishioners. Upon his 
death, the affairs of the parish fell to 
Rev. Michael F. Higgins, who labored 
with the people until May 7, 1886. 
when he answered the call of the Master. 
It was Father Higgins who built St. 
Agnes' convent on I street, and intro- 
duced the sisters of St. Joseph. The in- 
struction at this school has since remained 
in their charge ; and under their direction 
this institution has flourished and been 
a source of great educational benefit to 
the children of many Catholic parents. 
Father Higgins was yet in the full vigor of 
life intellectually and otherwise, when he 
died ; and his death removed an able 
Christian gentleman, whose incessant 
labors were crowned with success. Rev. 
Theodore A. Metcalf assumed charge 
in 1886, and remained until 1890, when 
he was obliged to retire owing to ill 
health. During his four years' pastorate 
here much good was accomplished and 
the church prospered. It will be re- 
membered by many that it was Father 
Metcalf who had a controversy with Mr. 
Travis of the English high school over 
the definition of certain matters per- 
taining to the faith. Rev. Robert J. 
Johnson the present pastor, succeeded 
Father Metcalf in 1890. He was not a 
stranger to the parishioners here as he 
formerly was a curate at SS. Peter and 
Paul church, and later pastor at Dedham. 
Realizing that a new church was needed 
to better provide for the wants of his 
parish he set out to build a new edifice. 

His persistent and consistent work 
was ultimately successful, for only a few 
months ago the new church, on the op- 
posite corner was opened. 

It is a handsome structure, a perfect 



74 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




NEW (iATE CJF HEAVEN CHURCH 

picture of architectural beauty and one 
of the best in New England. Under 
Father Johnson's direction a chapel was 
erected at the corner of Broadway and 
O streets, which amply accommodates 
those living in that neighborhood. The 
many societies, connected with the church 
have in a large measure contributed to- 
wards its support so that this parish is 



most prosperous. The 
curates are Rev. Timothy J. 
Mahoney, Thomas F. Bran- 
man. John T. O'Brien, with 
Mathew J. Flaherty of St. 
John's Seminary occasion- 
ally assisting. 

ST. Augustine's church. 

In point of beauty and de- 
sign St.Augustine's church is 
one of the finest as well as 
one of the most prosperous 
in the city of Boston. While 
not an old church, it has a 
history of which it may justly 
feel proud. It stands within 
the shadow of historic Dor- 
chester Heights on Dorches- 
ter street. In 1868, through 
the spiritual guidance of 
Rev. Denis O'Callaghan, 
old St. Augustine's chapel 
was re-opened as a place of 
In these small quarters the de- 
It was here the 



worship. 

voted people gathered. 

plans were made for the new church, and 

on September 11, 1870, the corner stone 

of the present structure was laid. The first 

mass was said in the basement, July 2, 

1871, and on August 30, 1874, the 

dedication rites were performed by 

Archbishop Williams. It was a grand 




REV, ROHERT J, JOHNSON. 



KEV. DENIS O CALLAGHAN, D.I). 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



75 



occasion in the history of the church, 
during all this time the pastor had been 
working assiduously so that the parish 
was thoroughly united. Through his 
unceasing labors and the hearty coopera- 
tion of the parishioners, the burden of 




^1 



INTERIOR. 

debt thus in- 
curred was 
entirely oblit- 
erated, and 
on August 
31. 1884, the 
exercises of 
consecration 
were held. 
FatherO'Cal- 
1 a g h a n, a 
man of pro- 
g r e s s i V e 
ideas, in 
1892, pur- 
chased the 
large parcel 
of land on 
E street for- 
merly select- 
ed by him for his church and erected a 
large and handsome brick structure now 
used for school purposes. It contains six- 
teen commodious class rooms, and a 
spacious hall, seating fourteen hundred 
people. The school has a large mem- 
bership and is under the Sisters of Notre 
Dame. 

The many societies connected with the 
church are always willing to lend a help- 
ing hand to Father O'Callaghan in his 
pastoral field. The St. Augustine's 
Lyceum for young men was formed in 



1875, and since that time it has been 
identified with many of the movements 
of the parish. 

Before coming to St. Augustine's church 
Father O'Callaghan was a curate at SS. 
Peter and Paul church so that he was 
by no means a stranger to his people. 
He now en- 
joys the dis- 
tinction of be- 
ing the oldest 
pastor in 
South Bos- 
ton. He is a 
public spirit- 
ed citizen in 
the broadest 
sense and has 
been interest- 
ed in m any 
matters p e r- 
taining to the 
welfare and 
advancement 
of this com- 
m unity. A 
few years ago 




GROUND 



at a meeting of the Irish delegates in 
Dublin he made an eloquent address 
and inspired appeal for unity. On July 
4, 1898, he was paid the high com- 
pliment of being selected to deliver 
the Independence Day oration in Fan- 
euil Hall. His address was a master- 
piece of rhetoric, full of patriotism, and 
listened to with intense interest by a 
large and enthusiastic audience. He 
received the degree of DD., from Balti- 
more seminary. Few pastors in the 



7^ 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



city are in closer touch with their parish- 
ioners than he. A short time ago he 
purchased Unity church at Washington 
Village, and had the property com- 
pletely remodelled, enlarged and con- 
verted into St. Monica's chapel. Associ- 



Within two years a committee was ap- 
pointed to build a chapel, which was 
erected through generous contributions 
from R. H. Barham and others. At 
this time Rev. George P. Wilson was 
pastor. Eleven years ago the site upon 
which the church now 
stands was secured and 
the present place of wor- 
ship erected. Rev. James 
Yeames was then made 




INTERIOR SCHOOL. 

CONVENT. ST. \IT,,rsllNK' 

ST. Monica's 
ated with the jDastor as curates 
are Revs. John J. Harkins, Francis G. 
Russell, Michael C. Gilbride and Francis 
Maly. 

DORCHESTER STREET METHODIST 
KHISCOPAI, CHURCH. 

M'he Dorchester-street Methodist Epis- 
copal church at Washington Village, 
was started in 1870 by a small number 
of Methodists wlio formed a Sunday- 
school class and fust lield meetings in a 
small tin shop at 560 Dorchester street. 
James Morse was chosen superintendent 
of the school, which grew rapidly. 
Washington Hall was secured later to 
better accommodate the members. A 
church organization was formed in 1872, 
and the first pastor was Rev. J. A. Ames. 



INTERIOR HA 1. 1.. 
PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE. 

pastor and remained five A'ears. Dur- 
ing his service tiie membership was 
greatly increased. Rev. A. H. Nazarian 
was next made pastor and during his 
pastorate the church debt of two thous- 
and dollars was cancelled. He remained 
five years and was followed by Rev. 
William i'"ull. The present pastor is 
Rev. A. 1\. Nichols. The trustees are 
James Morse, E. D. Trefry, Daniel 
Allen, O. E. Barber, Edward Amery. 
G. L Crook, H. Lutton, W. 1. Roberts 
and E. (). J ago. 

The pastor of the Dorchester-street 
Methodist Episcopal church is a native 
of Massachusetts, and was born in 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



77 




DORCJIKSl'KR-srKEET M. K. LHTKCH. 

Sturbridge. After attending the local 
schools, he prepared for college at W'es- 
leyan Academy. He was graduated at 
Amherst College. Mr. Nichols did not 
at once enter the ministry, but taught 
school for several years in Leicester, 
Worcester and Springfield. On account 




of ill health he went west, and shortly 
after joined the St. Louis conference, 
where he remained eight years. Since 
he has been a member of the New 
England conference his charges have 
been Florence, Greenfield, Athol, Hud- 
son, ParkAvenue, Somerville, Sturbridge, 
Warren, Monson and South Boston. 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH. 

The origin of St. Vincent De Paul's 
church is full of interest to the old resi- 
dents of Fort Hill. When the old Pur- 
chase street Unitarian Society disbanded, 
through the efforts of Andrew Carney 
and Bishop Fitzpatrick their building 




REV. A. R. NICHOLS. 



RCK J. PATTERSt)N. 



was refitted for ('atholic worship. A 
parish was then formed and their spirit- 
ual wants administered to by Revs. 
Michael Moran, John McShane and E. J. 
Sheridan, as successive pastors. About 
1866 many took up their residence in 
South Boston, and attended SS. Peter and 
Paul church. The material of the church 
on Pearl street was transplanted and re- 
moulded into the shape of the present 
edifice on F. street. It was here that 
Father Mathew, over fifty years ago, took 
the pledge to many jDcople. Rev. 
Michael Lane was assigned the arduous 
duty of organizing the new parish. After 
its completion the church was dedicated 
July 19, 1874. After a most successful 



78 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



pastorate of four years, J'ather Lane 
passed away, and the work was then 
taken up by Rev. Wilham J. Corcoran. 
He remained in charge eighteen years, 




CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 

but died in 1897. The present pastor, 
Rev. George J. Patterson, is a Fort Hill 
boy and a graduate of the old Boylston 
school. He prepared for the priesthood 
at Boston College, St. Charles Seminary, 
and St. Mary's Seminary, was ordained 
in 1876 and attached to St. Patrick's 
church in Roxbury. In July, 1888, he 
took charge of the parish of Abington, 
now two parishes, where he remained 
until assigned to his present charge. 
Although he has been here but a few 
years, he has made many noticeable 
improvements, including the renovation 
of the parish house and re-painting and 
otherwise beautifying the interior of the 
church. This parish has a membership 
of over five thousand, while over one 
thousand children attend the Sunday 
school. There are several societies con- 



nected with the church. Father Patter- 
son is a strong believer in temperance, 
and his work in this direction has at- 
tracted widespread attention. Associated 
with this church as 
curates are Revs. Far- 
rah A. Brogan and John 
H. Lyons. 

FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH. 

This church society 
met for the first time in a 
small hall on Broadway 
near D street. Later 
they moved to Wait's 
Hall where the church 
was organized, Decem- 
ber 30, 1870, with a 
membership of twenty- 
nine. In 1874, land was 
purchased and a chapel 
erected on Fourth street, 
between G and H streets. 
Here they remained for 
eleven years. The con- 
gregation grew rapidly, 
and in 1885 the present 
site was purchased from 
the Methodists. This 
society has always done 
its share of Christian 
work and has had eight 
pastors ; Rev. Charles 
Naismith of Scotland, 1870 to 187 1 was 
succeeded by Rev. A. H. Angier. The first 
pastor in the new church was Rev. William 
M. Baker, 1874 to 1876. He was followed 
by Rev. William H. Sybrant, from 1879 
to 1882 ; Rev. Andrew Burrows, 1884 
to 1890 ; Rev. Frank H. Hinman, 1891 
to 1894 ; After his lamented death Rev. 
M. S. Hartwell came, and in 1896, Rev. 
Charles J. Cameron, M.A. accepted the 
charge. He was recently called to the 
presidency of the Presbyterian Minis- 
terial Association and to the moderator- 
ship of the Boston Presbytery. 

('.RACE CHURCH. 

The first services of the Grace church 
parish were held in Washington Hall, 
Andrew square in 1879, by Rev. Mr. Kelly 
of St. Stephen's church. He remained 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



79 



here but a short time, and the work was 
taken up by his successor, Rev. Mr. 
Kidder, at present pastor of St. Andrew's 
church, Boston. The building was erected 
in 1875, n^oney being given by WiUiam 
Appleton. Some of those who have 
ministered in the church are, Rev. Alex- 
ander Mackay Smith, rector of St. John's 
church, Washington ; Rev. George Buck, 




FOURTH PRESHYTERIAN CHURCH. 

of Derby, Connecticut ; Rev. E. M. Pad- 
dock, of Allegheny, Pa. ; and Rev. 
J. G. Robinson, now of Dover, New 
Hampshire. Rev. \V. S. W. Raymond, 
rector of Grace church is a native of 
New Brunswick, in his early youth he at- 
tended the neighboring schools. He 
entered the University of New Brunswick 
in 1886 and after graduating spent five 
years in public school work. He then 
entered the Episcopal Theological school 
in Cambridge and graduated in 1894. 





^.. 






A 




1 


1^ 


^ 


■i 


pilii 


If 





GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

His six years in the ministry have been 
spent in Auburn R. I. ; Arlington, Mass. 
and South Boston. Since he has been 
rector of this church he has endeared 
himself to the people and taken an ac- 
tive interest in all matters of local conse- 
quence. 




^ 



■^^■m. 






tJ 




E. J. POWKRS, HON. J. 11. MARTIN, I>A\1I) L. WHITE, 

SECRETAR^■. l'Ki:sn)KN T CITIZENS' ASSOCMATION IN I9OO. TREASURER. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



8i 



SOUTH BOSTON CITIZENS' 
ASSOCIATION. 

This organization, comprising the lead- 
ing business and professional men of 
Boston, residing in this district, has been 
a potent factor in the development and 
general welfare of South Boston. It was 
November, 23, 1880, that a number of 
residents met at the studio of Walter 
Smith, at City Point, to discuss the ad- 
visability of forming an association or 
club to further the interests of the 
locality in which they resided. At this 
meeting resolutions were drawn up, and 
signed by eighteen of those present, to 
form an improvement association. At the 
next meeting, held November 29, the 
same year, by vote of those attending, 
the organization was named the City 
Point Improvement Association. The 
first officers were as follows Frank I. 
Baxter, president ; Henry A. Snow, vice- 
president ; William Morris, secretary ; 
C. O. Crane, treasurer ; G. H. Innes, 
J. T. Tancred, A. F. Lauten, executive 
committee. The association held meet- 
ings first, every month at City Point ; 
but January 9, 1893 the first meet- 
ing was held in the association's present 
headquarters in Gray's Hall; and in 
February of the same year the name was 
changed to that of the South Boston Citi- 
zens' Association. Its membership at that 
time was but eighty-nine. The treas- 
urer's report then showed that the total 
amount received was $193, and that the 
expenditures of the association were but 
$116. From that time until the present 
day the organization has steadily grown in 
membership and influence, and become 
a powerful organization, easily holding 
its own with similiar boards, and, in 
the scope of its operations, exceeding 
the achievements of kindred societies. 
No matter affecting the general welfare 
of the community, excepting questions of 
politics, religion and liquor license, comes 
up in the district but is thoroughly dis- 
cussed and regulated by the association. 
In matters where the welfare of the 
district is concerned the association 
is ever on the alert. Some of the many 
improvements that stand as monuments 



to the vigilance of its members may be 
mentioned as follows : The extension of 
L street to the city proper, the lengthen- 
ing of Atlantic avenue to South Boston ; 
the elevation of Dover street above the 
tracks of the old Colony railroad ; the 
building of the magnificent new South 
Boston high school, on Thomas Park ; 
the building of Marine Park at City Point; 
the abolishing of the grade crossings at 
Dorchester avenue ; and the removal of 
the House of Correction and Boston 
Lunatic Hospital. During its prosperous 
and creditable existence the association 
has had seven presidents. The first presi- 
dent was Francis J. Baxter who served 
in 1880-1881. His successor was F. C. 
Hersey who served in 1882 : he was 
followed by Honorable Charles J. Noyes, 
who presided over the organization in 
1883. Vincent LaForme, the next presi- 
dent, now deceased, was honored with 
six years' service ; A. F. Lauten served 
during the years 1890-189 1 ; then came 
Robert Means, who occupied the chair 
until 1894. Honorable John B. Martin 
then became president and served until 
1900, now succeeded by John H. Means. 
The first secretary was William Morris, 
who continued in office until 1887. He 
was succeeded by James Mclntyre, who 
served one year, and was succeeded by 
James L. Ford who was elected in 1889. 
The present secretary, Edward J. Powers, 
was chosen in 1890, and has continued 
in office until the present time. The 
first treasurer, Charles O. Crane, held 
the office for two years, and in 1882 was 
succeeded by David L. White, who has 
ever since been regularly re-elected. The 
officers of the association have comprised 
many able men, all of whom have served 
the association and the district without 
compensation. The association has not 
only been fortunate in its presidents and 
other officers, but in its roll of member- 
ship. The association now numbers 325, 
and its meetings are held on the third 
Thursday in each month, when a sumptu- 
ous repast is served to those present after 
the transaction of the regular work com- 
ing before the association has been taken 
up. Much interest is manifested on the 
part of the members at each meeting, 



82 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and warm but friendly debates on ques- 
tions of public moment are always in 
order. 

Hon. John B. Martin, who retired 
January i8. 1901, after six years as pre- 
siding officer of the Citizens' Association, 
was born and has always lived in South 
Boston. His inclinations prompted him 
to enter public life early in manhood. 

As South Boston comprised but one 
ward (12) when he made his debut in 
politics, it became his privilege to be- 
come closely acquainted with all the 
leading men of this district. This ac- 



the common council. It was in 1875 
that he served in the legislature, refusing 
the honor of a unanimous renomination 
the following year. He was chosen and 
served as senator of this district in 1878 
and 1880. His career as a public man 
was a noted one ; and he has been rec- 
ognized as a leader at both the city hall 
and state house. Always active on the 
floor, a forceful and eloquent speaker, and 
a legislator of marked powder and ability, 
his services have been duly appreciated 
and recorded in history. 

His ability as a presiding officer and 




;RAY S HALL, HOME OF SOUTH BOSTON CITIZENS ASSOCIATION. 



quaintance, in later years, became widely 
extended until it may safely be asserted 
that now no South Boston man is more 
widely known among leading men of the 
state than he. He attendecl the primary 
and Lawrence grammar schools and 
after an attendance at private school, 
entered mercantile life. He commenced 
as boy at the business establishment of 
which he has for several years been pro- 
prietor. He is engaged in business at 
59 Broad Street, Bosion, and is a manu- 
facturer, prosperous wholesale dealer and 
large exporter of extracts, colorings and 
medicinal preparations. He became a 
member of the Democratic ward and city 
committee in 1870, serving as secretary 
in 1870-71-72. In 1872-73-74 he rep- 
resented old Ward 7, now Ward 13, in 



popularity made him the happy choice of 
the Citizens' Association as its president 
in 1894. During his service as presi- 
dent he has been a strong and successful 
advocate of the many public improve- 
ments with which South Boston has been 
and will be favored : notably the estab- 
lishment and building of the new and 
costly South Boston high school ; re- 
moval of the House of Correction from 
South Boston to Deer Island ; comple- 
tion of the Strandway ; building of the 
proposed Cove Street bridge, and various 
other projects brought about through his 
influence and that of the association over 
which he presided. Two years before he 
retired as president of the association, 
he was shown the esteem in which he was 
held by being tendered a banquet and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



83 



presented with a loving cup by the mem- 
bers of this influential organization. 

Mr. Martin is a member of City Point 
Lodge, Knights of Honor ; Mosquito 
Fleet Yacht Club ; Charitable Irish So- 
ciety and Clover Club. Since its forma- 
tion he has been president of the South 
Boston Building Association and is a 
member and was, for two years, presi- 
dent, of the Lawrence School Associa- 
tion. Mr. Martin is married and has 
four children, three boys and one girl, 
and resides on E. P'ourth street. Cit\- 
Point. 

Edward J. Powers, secretary of the 
association was born in Boston in i860. 
The year following his birth his parents 
removed to South Boston and he has re- 
sided here ever since. He was educated 
in the Lawrence and Bigelow grammar 
schools. He learned the trade of a 
printer and since 1884 has been engaged 
in the printing business at the corner of 
Cornhill and Washington street for him- 
self, during which time he has met with 
continuous and deserved success. He 
became secretary of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association in 1884 and has 
held that office to the present time, being 
re-elected annually. He served in the 
common council from Ward 14 in 1886, 
1887 and 1888 and is one of the best- 
known men and progressive citizens of 
the district. He is a member of the 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, has for five 
years been commodore of the Columbia 
Yacht Club : is a member of the Royal 
Arcanum ; Knights of Columbus, and of the 
City Point Catholic Association. He also 
served in the state militia as a member 
of Company K, Ninth Regiment, M. V. 
M., in 1883 and 1884. Mr. Powers is 
an invaluable officer of the Citizens' Asso- 
ciation, as he not only dispatches the 
clerical duties of the office with efficiency, 
but is thoroughly posted on matters 
relating to the district and the organiza- 
tion. 

David L. White, for many years treas- 
urer of the association, was born in South 
Boston in April, 1852. His father was 
David White a well-known carpenter and 
builder. He was educated in the Mather, 
Hawes and Bigelow schools, graduating 



from the latter in 1867. He entered busi- 
ness life with James Gaudin, a local pro- 
vision dealer. Later he was employed by 
Isaiah Josselyn. Mr. White afterwards 
purchased his employer's interest and 
for some time conducted the business. 
From 1876 to 1881 he worked in a lead- 
ing market at City Point. He entered 
the postoffice department in 1 88 1 . After 
two years' service in the central office he 
was transferred to South Boston, where 
he remained five years. He then re- 
turned to the main office serving as a 
special carrier for registered letters. For 
ten years he delivered the mail in the 
crowded Court street district and is now 
performing the same duties on Devon- 
shire and State streets. Mr. White is 
prominent in many organizations and has 
been connected with the Citizens' Asso- 
ciation since its organization. He is a 
secretary of Bethesda Lodge ; past chief 
patriarch of Mount Washington E^ncamp- 
ment, and a member of Bernice Rebecca 
Lodge ; chairman board of trustees of 
Mount Washington Encampment, I. O. 
O. F. ; past grand of Bethesda Lodge ; 
grand conductor of Grand Lodge in 
1899 ; president, Boston Letter Carriers' 
Association ; past president, Boston Let- 
ter Carriers' Mutual Aid Association, and 
vice-president. Federal Cooperative Bank. 
He was a member of the old Pulaski 
Guards, Company E. and did guard duty 
during the Boston fire in 1872. He is 
married, lives at 765 Fourth street and 
has one daughter, one married son and 
one son unmarried. 

The present members of the associa- 
tion are as follows : 

Austin Arey, A. J. Adams, C. H. Adams, 
John J. Ahearn, T. E. Baker, T. F. Bell, 
Dr. E. S. Boland, Thomas H. Barnes, 
Henry J. Bowen, J. Payson Bradley, Col. 
John G. Barrett, S. W. Babcock, Joseph 
W. Bateman, W. G. Bail, John H. Barry, 

E. W. Blanchard. J. D. Batchelder. M. F. 
Brcnnan, H. E. Belmont, T. A. Bresna- 
han, Joseph Bird, Daniel Buckley. Dennis 

F. Brennan, Ernest C. Brown, Mills D. 
Barber, Edward F, Barry, William Bow- 
man, Louis W. Brett, William E. Brace, 
Hon. P. A. Collins, J. C. Coughlin, Charles 
O. Crane, William Cains. C. H. Carr, 
Joseph W. Collins. Thomas Conners, Rob- 
ert Caruthers, J. H. Corney. P. B. Cor- 
bett, John Connor, Edmund Coffee, A. F. 



84 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Clark, C. James Connolly, M. P. Carroll, 
Hon. J. A. Collins, Dennis M. Cronin, 
Philip A. Carroll, Isaac C. Charles, Ed- 
ward S. Coleman, Charles H. Carew, Rev. 
A. J. Cardall, George A. Call, John Casey, 
John P. Carroll, M. J. Cronin, Barnard 
Capen, J. F. Cashin. G. J. Carroll, John P. 
Dickey, George F. Dow, F. A. T. Dalryni- 
ple, Joseph Davis, Dr. William H. Devine, 
E. L. Davis, Charles A. Dailey, Otis R. 
Downes, Walter G. Drew. C. J. Desmond, 
C. M. Dolbeare, D. J. Driscoll. J. J. Dor- 
gan, R. J. Daley, W. T. Eaton, William J. 
Emerson, E. R. Emery, W. E. Elliot, 



Hibbard, John Hogan, William Hunt, W. 
B. Haford, George Heaton, H. T. Hutch- 
ings, Frank T. Horgan, T. R. Hughes, 
D. W. Hickey, Thomas H. Howard, H. 
N. Hatch, Sidney Holmes, Herman Hor- 
mel. William P. Hickey, Edward L. Hop- 
kins. Charles S. Judkins, Bernard Jenney, 
Benjamin James, Jr.. Samuel W. Johnson, 
T. A. Jackson, Rev. R. J. Johnson, Francis 
James, W. T. Keen, Timothy J. Kenny, 
Samuel Kelley, Patrick Kelly, D. J. 
Kinnaly, Jacob Knecht, Coleman Kelley, 
George M. Krey, William Kelley. William 
F. Kells, William M. Kelley, Robert 




HON. J. D. FALLON. 

HON. J. B. M.ARTIN. 



MRS. O. D. DAN.' 
M. STETSON. 



James Ellis, H. E. Estey, Rev. Percy H 
Epler, Frederic L. Felton, Hon. Joseph D 
Fallon, Thomas W. Flood, W. H. Falvey 
E. R. Flint, Isaac S. Fish, P. W. Ford 
Dr. William M. Flynn, Frank R. Fitzger- 
ald, William J. Feelev, John F. Furlong 
Fred S. Gore, J. W. Glynn. E. B. Gifford 
Rev. Albert E. George, Dr. William J 
Gallivan, Capt. Elijah H. Goodwin, A. J 
Giberson, J. H. Greenan, J. J. Green, Mar- 
tin T. Glynn, R. F. Gerald, H. O. Good- 
win. James Gallagher, William Glynn, 
Charles A. Gardiner, C. F. Gammond, F. 
C. Hersey, Clarence Hallctt, William J. 
Higgins, John Haggerty, Frank J. Han- 
non, Edward L. Ho])kins, Frank Hall. 
Eu,gene Hodsdon. Albert C. Haley. 
Thomas E. Hill, Franklin Hawes, Paul 



Kershaw, James W. Loughlin, George F. 
Lawley, John F. Lappen, Fred P. La- 
Forme, Col. Lawrence J. Logan, James 
Lewis, John W. Lavery, E. A. Lawley, 
George Lawley, Daniel Lewis, Harrison 
H. Lincoln, M. J. Lynch, N. H. Laugh- 
ton, Lewis W. Leary, Henry J. McKee. 
Thomas McCammon, Hon. William S. 
McNary, John B. McNutt, Raphael Mc- 
Cormick, Robert M. McLeish. Alfred F. 
McDonald, A. E. McKinnon. W. J. Mc- 
Dermott. Carl C. F. McCormack, Louis 
McCarthy, Thomas F. McDonough. John 
A. McKean. James P. McShane. J. T. Mc- 
Laughlin. Richard McKeon, Henry J. Mc- 
Kee. Major George F. H. Murray, John 
H. Means, Dr. A. F. Means, M. J. Mullin. 
John C. Merry, Stephen M. Marshall. John 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



85 



Monks, William L. Miller. J. H. Miley, W. 
S. Milligan, M. J. Moloney, J. H. Means. 
Jr.. John C. Murphy, M. J. Mahoney, Wil- 
liam H. Mooney, John M. Moriarty, Wil- 
liam H. Murphy. Rev. T. J. Mahoney, H. 
G. Merrill. R. F. Means, Hon. John B. 
Martin, Charles B. Moore. John P. Mor- 
gan. James P. Manning, J. Carlton Nichols. 
William W. Nichols. John S. Norton. Hon. 
H. F. Naphen, John Ness. C. W. Nod- 
well, Joseph J. Norton, Benjamin W. 
O'Neil, P. F. O'Brien. Rev. Denis O'Cal- 
laghan. P. J. O'Brien. S. J. Olpin, Jere- 
miah O'Brien, Adam Ott, Dennis O'Reilly. 
Charles C. Parker, Frank E. Park, Hubert 
Pope, Edward J. Powers, J. P. Power, 
Milton C. Paige, Dr. W. S. Provan, 
Charles S. Pierce. Galen Poole. Peter J. 
Porter. George E. Proctor, Thomas F. 
Phillips, James E. Pray, John D. Phil- 
brick, George Proctor, James F. Price. D. 
S. Quirk. P. F. Quinn. Thomas F. Reddy, 
Edward T. Roach. N. Rich, Arthur Ray- 
nor, James A. Roberts, F. N. Reed, John 
W. Reardon. Daniel Rull, John Reilly, 
Edward C. Reddington, Otis Rumery, 
Charles G. Richmond, J. J. Regan, Isaac 
Somes, John M. Shea, William P. Scott, 
E. H. Savery. Edwin R. Spinney, William 
Stephens, John A. Stetson, Alfred Smart, 
W. S. Sampson, Rev. A. B. Shields. Dr. 
T. R. D. Stewart. Henry J. D. Small, Hen- 
ry C. Shannon, James B. Sutliff, John M. 
Sullivan, James Stewart, Daniel G. Slat- 
tery, F. PI. Sweetland. C. L. Salmon, P. J. 
Smith. M. J. Sullivan. Howard G. Salis- 
bury, P. F. Shevlin. Henry S. Treadwell, 
William Tyner, J. F. Tighe, Frank J. Tut- 
tle, J. C. Tibbetts. Thomas Tobin, John J. 
Toomey, Walter A. Turner, Dr. Edward 
A. Tracey. Antoine Vincent. A. E. Whit- 
more, David L. White. Timothy Wheater, 
Amos T. White, W. F. Watson, William 
H. Wall, Joseph J. Wall, Samuel H. Wise. 
John P. Wise, James H. White. Richard 
D. Whitney, Arthur H. Wilson, Francis 
White, Albert M. Williams, Edward J. 
Wheeler, James H. Waugh, Thomas 
Welch, Mark W. Wood. James F. Walsh. 
William L. White, Edwin G. Walker, 
Charles A. Wieners. 

HON. HENRY F. NAPHEN. 

Hon. Henry F. Naphen, son of John 
and Jane (Henry) Naphen, is the one 
South Boston citizen foremost in the 
pubHc eye to-day. He was born in Ire- 
land, August 14, 1852, and came, an 
infant with his parents, to Lowell. He 
was educated at the public school and 
took a course at Harvard as resident 
bachelor. He studied law at the Harvard 
and Boston University law schools, and 
was admitted to the Suffolk bar in No- 



vember, 1879, after a further course of 
study in the office of Burbank & Lund in 
Boston. 

He married Margaret A. Drummey, 
daughter of Patrick Drummey, and by the 
union are three brilliant girls. Mr. 
Naphen was elected a member of the 
school committee of the City of Boston 
in 1882, for the term of three years. In 
1885 and 1886, he represented the Fifth 
Suffolk District, South Boston, in the 
senate. In 1885, on account of his elec- 
tion to the senate, he declined to be a 
candidate for a second term in the school 
committee. His career in the senate 
was marked by new and much needed 
legislation, of which he was the originator, 
and for which he well deserved the pub- 
lic praise given his efforts. In 1898 Mr. 
Naphen was elected to Congress from 
the Tenth District and was triumphantly 
re-elected in 1900 by a majority of over 
eight thousand. 

Mr. Naphen's entrance into the nation- 
al House of Representatives was charac- 
terized by eternal vigilance for the wants 
of his constituents and at the same time 
he displayed a tactful and comprehen- 
sive point of view in national and inter- 
national matters. He relentlessly opposed 
the so-called expansion policy of the 
government and spoke to the House of 
Representatives on the Porto Rican 
question, the trusts, the Philippine 
question, the improvement of Boston 
harbor, and the question as to whether 
or no the Constitution followed the flag. 
Mr. Naphen's speeches on these subjects 
were prepared with great care and proved 
to be scholarly, thought-compelling, and 
worthy to adorn the Congressional 
Record. Mr. Naphen. also, introduced 
what was known as the celebrated 
Bryan-Naphen-Jenkins amendment to the 
Constitution, which aimed to prohibit 
trusts. 

Perhaps the most enduring monument 
of Mr. Naphen's career was his success- 
ful fight for the Cove street bridge, 
popularly called the Naphen bridge. 
Against the combined forces of railroad 
corporations and other great influences, 
Mr. Naphen was successful in getting 
the War Department to reverse its de- 



86 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




HON. HENRY F. NAPHEN. 

cision made against the bridge, and 
allow its construction. 

In the management of his party he 
has served on the Democratic state 
committee as a member-at-laige and on 
the Democratic city committee. He is 
a member of the B. A. A. ; Press Club ; 
University Club, and a non-resident mem- 
ber of the old Dorchester Club, and of 
the Democratic Club of New York. He 
is a member and a trustee of the Boston 
Lodge of Elks, was formerly vice-presi- 
dent of the Orpheus Musical Society ; is 
a member of the City Point Catholic 
Association ; the Charitable Irish Society; 
Catholic Union, and United Order of 
Workmen ; a director of St. Elizabeth's 
Hospital ; vice-president of the Working 
Boys' Home, and a member of the Catho- 
lic Order of Eoresters and Knights of 
St. Rose. His election as the next 



mayor of Boston is urged 
and predicted by a large 
number of the prominent 
Democrats of the city. 

HON. W. S. McNARY. 

Hon. William S a r s fi e 1 d 
McNary was born in North 
Abington, Mass., March 29, 
1863. He attended the pub- 
lic schools of his native 
place until twelve years of 
age, and then removed to 
South Boston, where he has 
since resided. By profes- 
sion he is a journalist. He 
is a graduate of the Law- 
rence grammar school and 
the English high school, 
class of '80. In the latter 
year he became a reporter 
on the " Commercial Bul- 
letin," and subsequently be- 
came its managing editor 
but resigned to study law. 
He has always, since boy- 
hood, been actively engaged 
in politics. In the Cleve- 
land campaign of 1884 he 
went on the stump for the 
Democratic state commit- 
tee at the age of twenty- 
one, and he is now a campaign orator 
of national reputation. In 1886 he was 
elected to the common council, from 
Ward 15 and was re-elected the fol- 
lowing year. Probably no younger mem- 
ber ever served in that body. He has 
served as an efficient member of the 
Democratic ward committee ever since he 
became a voter. In i88g and 1890 he 
was elected a representative to the legis- 
lature from his ward, and was the recog- 
nized Democratic leader there. Here 
he always proved a ready and effective 
debater, and made his mark, especially 
as a member of the railroad connnittee. 
In 1 89 1 he was a leader in the senate, 
and was chairman of the committees on 
cities and taxation, and the special com- 
mittees on commissions and the re- 
districting of the congressional districts. 
He was the youngest man ever appointed 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



87 



to this ofifice up to that time. In 1893 
Mayor Matthews appointed him a mem- 
ber of the Board of Water Commis- 
sioners, and he proved a vahiable mem- 
ber of that body until he resigned in 
1894, when he received the Democratic 
nomination for Congress in the tenth 
district. In 1896 he was re-nominated 
unanimously, but again the party was 




disunited and a Republican won. In 
1899 and 1900 he was chosen secretary 
of the Democratic state committee, and 
he proved himself one of the greatest 
organizers the party ever had in this state 
by his work of re-organization. In 1901 
he was honored with a unanimous elec- 
tion as chairman of the Democratic state 
committee, and he is now serving with 
honor to himself and his district in that 
distinguished office. 

In 1900 and 1901 Mr. McNary was 



chosen again to represent Ward 1-5 in 
the House of Representatives and again 
proved his wonderful ability as a leader 
in notable legislation. In benevolent, 
social, and fraternal organizations Mr. 
McNary has always been prominent. 
To his efforts much of the great success of 
the promotion of the Knights of Colum- 
bus has been due. He is a member of 
all the leading social organ- 
izations in the peninsular 
district and is also a mem- 
ber of the Boston Press 
Club, the Y o u n g Men's 
Catholic Association of Bos- 
ton College and other prom- 
inent bodies of the kind. 

He is married and has 
one child. His home, which 
is one of the most comfort- 
able in South Boston, is at 
155 K street, corner of Sev- 
enth street. 

THOMAS A. MULLEN. 

One of the most promis- 
ing of South Boston's young 
professional men is Thomas 
A. Mullen, former secretary 
to Mayor Josiah Quincy, 
and now practicing law. 
Born in South Boston, June 
10, 1862, he is of Irish de- 
scent, his father, Edward 
M u 1 1 e n having lived in 
South Boston for the past 
sixty years. Young Mullen 
was educated in the Law- 
rence grammar school and 
graduated from the Boston 
Latin school in 1880 a 
I'ranklin medal scholar. He then took 
the academic course at Harvard Col- 
lege, graduating, in 1884, with the high- 
est honors in classics. In 1885 he 
became a teacher in the Boston Latin 
school, where he served faithfully from 
1885 to 1893. He enjoys the distinc- 
tion of having been the youngest teacher 
engaged in this school since its founda- 
tion in 1635. ^"t the life of a teacher 
was too slow and confining for him ; and 
having a fondness for the law he entered 



88 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the Harvard law school, finishing the 
three years' course in two years, and grad- 
uating in 1895. In 1896 he was appointed 
secretary to Mayor Josiah Quincy. Dur- 
ing his term as secretary, he displayed 
rare ability in the conduct of the mayor's 
office and on several occasions repre- 
sented Mayor Quincy by proxy. He 
possesses an unusually well developed 




THOMAS A. MULLEN. 

intellect and is a fluent speaker. Indeed 
since the death of Bishop Phillips Brooks 
he has earned the name of being the 
most rapid speaker in Boston. In 1898 
he became assistant city solicitor of the 
City of Boston, a position in which he dis- 
played marked ability as a counsellor. 
January i, 1900, he commenced active 
practice for himself and from the start 
his success was assured. Mr. Mullen 
has built up a large practice through 
his energy, vigor, thorough knowledge 



of his subject and constant attendance 
to business. He is an able pleader and 
is particularly strong before juries. He 
has handled many important cases with 
the ease of lawyers who have spent many 
years at the business. He is a familiar 
figure in the courts. Mr. Mullen is a 
member of the Massachusetts Catholic 
Order of Foresters, Knights of Colum- 
bus, Royal Arcanum, and 
was first president] of the 
Harvard Catholic Club and 
the Lawrence School Alum- 
ni Association. He is a 
powerful speaker and his 
services are in demand in 
all parts of Massachusetts 
for his lecture on Europe 
and on Constitutional and 
Political History. He was 
married November 25, 1 89 1 , 
to Mary Louise, daughter 
of William Quigley. Two 
bright children, Edward 
I'rancis, born November i, 
4, 1892, and John Henry 
Newman, born November 
16, 1896, bless their union. 
Mr. Mullen, since leaving 
South Boston, has made his 
residence in the Aberdeen 
district, Boston, where he 
has a beautiful home. He 
is a familiar figure in the 
distinguished social circles 
of Boston and vicinity. 

HON. JAMES A. GALLIVAN. 

James Ambrose Gallivan 
was born in South Boston, 
where he still resides, 
October 22, 1866, the son of James S. 
and Mary (Flynn ) Gallivan. He gradu- 
ated from the Lawrence grammar school 
in 1879. and from the Boston Latin 
school, in 1884, receiving the Franklin 
medal for excellence in scholarship. He 
entered Harvard College in the fall of 
1884 and graduated, with the degree of 
A.B. in 1888. In the same class were 
five other South Boston boys, viz : William 
J. Gallivan, his brother, William A. 
Leahy, William P. Henderson, Francis 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



89 



B. Dana and John D. Barry. For a short 
time after leaving college, he was chief 
clerk in the Boston city architect's office, 
but for the past ten years he has been 
actively engaged in newspaper work and 
prominently identified with local politics. 
In 1895 and 1896 he represented Ward 13 
in the lower branch of the Massachusetts 
legislature, and in 1897 and 1898 he repre- 




HON. JAMES A. GALLIVAN. 

sented South Boston in the state senate. 
During his legislative career, he was prom- 
inently identified with many measures 
which tended to promote the welfare 
of this district. He was the father of the 
Cove street bridge, having succeeded in 
getting the original bill passed, against 
great opposition, in the senate of 1897. 
He it was who secured the passage of the 
bill for the erection of the grand monu- 
ment on Dorchester Heights, and the late 
Governor Wolcott presented him with the 



pen with which he had affixed his signa- 
ture to the act establishing the monument. 
The Massachusetts' State Sanatorium at 
Rutland, which is the first institution of 
the kind in this country to be established 
under state auspices for the care of con- 
sumptives, stands as a monument to the 
legislative career of Mr. Gallivan, he 
having conceived the idea of such an 
institution and secured the 
passage of a bill by the legis- 
lature in 1895. Its career 
has been remarkable and 
its success unqualified. Mr. 
Gallivan was elected a mem- 
ber of the board of street 
commissioners of the city 
of Boston at the municipal 
election in December last 
year for a term of three 
years. Politically, he is a 
Democrat. He was married 
in 1898 to Louise A. Burke, 
who was also born in South 
Boston, and has since re- 
sided at 93 West Broadway. 

HON. JAMES B. CLANCY. 

One of the bright young 
men of South Boston is 
Hon. James B. Clancy who 
represents his district in 
the Senate of 1901. He 
was born in what is known 
as the historic South Cove 
section of Boston, thirty-two 
years ago. He received his 
education in the public 
schools, graduating from the 
Quincy school. At the age 
of fourteen he learned the 
vocation of a telegraph operator, in which 
business he has continued ever since, be- 
coming, during his long experience, one 
of the most skilful manipulators of the 
key in Boston. For some fourteen years 
he has been connected with the Postal 
Telegraph and C'able Company. When 
the Boston Chamber of Commerce build- 
ing was erected and opened he was made 
manager of that branch of the Postal 
company's service, and has given his em- 
ployers good service in handling the 



90 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




HON. JAMES K. CLANCY. 

voluminous amount of telegraphic matter 
sent out from that important business 
centre. He has been a resident of South 
Boston for fourteen years. For some 
years he has been a prominent figure in 
local politics, being a Democrat. In 
1897 he was elected to the legislature 
from Ward 13 and served on the im- 
portant committee on insurance. He 
was returned in 1898 and served on the 
committee on street railways, one of the 
best committees of the legislature. In 
October, 1900, he was nominated for the 
dignified ofiice of state senator, after a 
five nights' convention, when i8i ballots 
were taken, the largest number taken for 
an ofiice in Massachusetts. At the sub- 
sequent election he received a flattering 
vote. Mr. Clancy has been a member of 
the Ward 13 Democratic committee for 
eight years and in 1900 represented the 
Sixth Suffolk district on the Massachu- 



setts state central commit- 
tee. He is a young man who 
is personally liked. He has 
never taken an active in- 
terest in social and fraternal 
life, and outside of being 
a member of the Twenty- 
Five Associates of this dis- 
trict is connected with no 
other bodies. 

HON. JOHN E. BALDWIN. 

One of the youngest men 
that has ever represented 
South Boston in the Massa- 
chusetts senate is Hon. John 
F. Baldwin, During his 
])olitical life he has always 
l)een held in the highest 
esteem and his rapid rise 
to the dignity of an honor- 
able senator is due to his 
honesty and perseverance. 
He was born in South Bos- 
ton, in 1869, and in due time 
attended the Bigelow gram- 
mar school. From there he 
went to the English high 
school and acquired the 
education which has stood 
in for him in later years. 
After leaving school he entered the em- 
ploy of F. E. Atteaux & Co., as a clerk. 
Here it was that his ability and hon- 
esty were his mainstay. He gradually 
worked himself from the humble position 
of clerk to the responsible position of 
confidential clerk, clothed with manifold 
responsibilities. In 1894, Mr. Baldwin 
made his debut in politics, and was 
selected by the voters of Ward 1 4 to rep- 
resent them in the common council. His 
work in the lower branch of the city 
council won for him three terms in that 
body, a record seldom made in these 
later days of ward politics. In 1897 and 
1898 he was sent by Ward 14 to the 
lower branch of the legislature, and dur- 
ing the two terms he represented his 
people faithfully. In 1899 and 1900 he 
filled the dignified ofiice of state senator, 
and in that body of prominent men from 
all over the state, he upheld the dignity 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



91 



of the Sixth Suffolk district by his 
poHshed manner and amiable disposition. 
In his seven years as a representative 
from Ward 14, he gained the honor and 
respect of all citizens who admired man- 
liness, truthfulness and honesty in poli- 
tics. During his legislative career he 
introduced many important bills of im- 
portant interest to South Boston, and 
assisted in the fight 
for measures intro- 
duced by other South 
Boston legislators. 
Chief among his meas- 
ures was a bill to re- 
move the House of Cor- 
rection from this dis- 
trict. These buildings 
have for years been an 
eyesore to South Bos- 
ton, and their removal 
was advocated by the 
South Boston Citizens' 
Association. He also 
fought for, and was 
successful in securing 
an appropriation of 
ten thousand dollars, 
for the Carney Hos- 
pital. Other bills of 
interest to South Bos- 
ton w h i c h are too 
numerous to mention, 
received his most 
hearty support. Mr. 
Baldwin is well-known 
all over Massachusetts 
and served on many 
important senate and 
ho u s e committees. 
He is a member of 
Pere Marquette Coun- 
cil, Knights of Columbus; Division 57, 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, Tammany 
Associates and several social organiza- 
tions. 

EDWARD P. BARRY. 

One of the peninsula's youngest busi- 
ness and professional men is Edward P. 
Barry. He was born in this district and 
was reared in South Boston, and is 
one of its earnest public-spirited citizens. 
Mr. Barry deserves and is accorded ful- 



lest admiration and respect for what he 
always has been and what he is to-day. 
As an all-round newspaper man he is 
said to have but few equals in America. 
Where others failed in his profession he 
succeeded by indomitable courage; and 
his strong personality, grit and per- 
sistency, honesty of purpose, unswerving 
integrity, a name without a tarnish and 





HON. JOHN K. BALDWIN. 

good early teachings from kindly hearted 
parents, have all combined to lead him on 
the right road to success. 

In 1871, at the age of six years, he 
entered the Mather primary school and 
at twelve he graduated from the Lawrence 
grammar school, near the head of his 
class. He next attended a preparatory 
school, intending to take a course at Har- 
vard, but illness checked his desires, and 
subsequently he started on a business 
life. He meanwhile took a full course at 



92 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the evening high school, in the higher 
branches of study, and received the first 
diploma ever issued by the City of 
Boston from that institution. After two 
years with a wholesale woolen house and 
three years in the Boston office of the treas- 
urer of the Hamilton Mfg. Company and 
Appleton Company of Lowell, he entered 
the field of journalism on the staff of the 




KDWARI) I". ]iARK^. 

"Boston Daily Advertiser" and, while 
working for that paper, purchased a half 
interest in the " South Boston News," then 
just started, and became its editor. His 
next change was to the "Boston Herald," 
and with the latter paper he has since 
remained and has served for almost fifteen 
years in various capacities, as a reporter 
and next as editor of department of 
sports. He was promoted to l)c night 
city editor and held this position with 
honor till he was obliged to resign it, 



seven years ago, owmg to a temporary 
blindness brought on by overstudy while 
preparing to enter the Harvard medical 
school. Having recovered from his afflic- 
tion, a year later, he resumed his duties 
with the " Herald," in the capacity of 
court reporter, purchased the " Sovith 
Boston Inquirer," and took up the study 
of law. To-day he is the president of the 
Inquirer Publishing Com- 
])any, which he organized ; 
the treasurer of the Ideal 
Harp Company of which he 
is the principal owner ; is 

■ manager and half owner of 
the Boston Advertising 
Agency ; is general press 
agent of G. E. Lothrop's 
theatrical enterprises, and 
is about to take an examina- 
tion for admittance to the 
Suffolk County bar after 
three years' study at the 
1> o s t o n University law 
school. In politics Mr. Barry 
has always been a Demo- 
crat. He was elected to 
the common council from 
Ward 15 in 1889 and 1890 
and has served several years 
on the Democratic ward and 
city committee. He organ- 
ized and was president of the 
first Caucus Reform Asso- 
ciation, which brought about 
the Australian system of vot- 
ing in the primaries, and has 
always taken a live interest 
in election affairs. In ama- 
teur athletics he was once a 
leader in New England when 
he as president of the 
New England Amateur Rowing Asso- 
ciation and New England Amateur Ath- 
letic Association created, by his zeal and 
enterprise, a spirited rivalry among 
oarsmen and others interested in manly 
sports. He still retains an interest in 
the athletic world and is an honorary 
member of at least a dozen boating and 
athletic associations, and has been an 
active member of the Boston Athletic 
Association ever since it was chartered. 
The fraternal organizations of which Mr. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



93 



Barry is a member include 
James E. Hayes Council 
Knights of Columbus ; General 
Sherman Lodge, A. (). U. W., 
the Boston Press Club, the Pro- 
gressive Fraternity ; the Hepta- 
sophs and the Boston Herald 
Fire Brigade. Mr. Barry is 
the son of Edward W. and 
Sarah (Shea) Barry. He is 
married, and resides in The 
Bowen, corner Broadway and 
Dorchester street. 

ALDERMAN. JOSEPH J. 
NORTON. 

The alderman representing 
Wards 14 and 15 in the upper 
branch of the city government 
in 1 90 1, was born in South 
Boston in 1870, and is the son 
of John Norton, for many years 
a well-known resident of this 
district. He was educated in 
the public schools and at- 
tended the Lincoln grammar 
school and the Boston English 
high school, graduating from 
the later in 1887. He first 
entered business life in Raf- 
tery's provision store. After ten months' 
experience there he entered the Boston 
Fruit and Produce Exchange, where he 
remained for a period of eleven years, 
acting as assistant secretary for the ex- 
change. Scarcely had he obtained his 
majority when he won recognition in 
local politics, when he became secretary 
of the Ward 14 Democratic committee; 
therefore when he became a candidate for 
the legislature in 1894, his first election to 
public ofiice, he had gained an insight into 
the political arena. He served in 1895, 
and, being re-elected, served on the com- 
mittee on election laws and water supply. 
In 1897 he became a candidate for the 
board of aldermen, but was defeated. In 
1898 he was again a candidate and this 
time elected. The next year he was again 
nominated but defeated. In 1900 he was 
again nominated and elected, and became 
a prominent candidate for chairman. For 
the past two years of his service he 




ALDERMAN JOSEPH J. NORTON. 

has been chairman of the committee' on 
electric wires, and a member of the com- 
mittee on railroads. During his connec- 
tion with the city government he has 
also served two years on the financial 
committee. Alderman Norton has been 
an unusually active member of the city 
government and has looked well after the 
interests of this district. During the 
past year he has been successful in intro- 
ducing and passing two important orders 
of benefit to this district, — the new 
$50,000 L-street bath house and the 
order for $100,000 for the building of 
the House of Correction at Deer Island, 
which will result in the removal of that 
institution from this district. Alderman 
Norton is a member of many organiza- 
tions, he has been a member of the Demo- 
cratic state central committee and first 
vice-president of the Democratic ward and 
city committee for the past two years. 
He is also a member of the Boston 



94 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Fruit and Produce Exchange; 
past master workman of Far- 
ragut Lodge, A. O. U. W; 
member of the Charitable 
Irish Society; West End 
Council ; Knights of Colum- 
bus ; Ancient Order of Hi- 
bernians ; Catholic Order of 
Foresters ; City Point Catho- 
lic Association ; Mosquito 
Fleet Yacht Club; Fraternal 
Order of Eagles ; and South 
Boston Citizens' Association. 
He has been a life-long resi- 
dent of South Boston and is 
unmarried. 

J. CARLETON NICHOLS. 

No citizen of South Boston 
is better known than J. Carle- 
ton Nichols, who is a member 
of the school board and also 
associated with the w e 1 1 - 
known hardware firm, the 
Hoyt Company. Mr. Nichols 
has for years been a familiar 
figure in South Boston busi- 
ness circles. With his brother, 
Calvin M. Nichols, he con- 
ducts the business so famil- 
iarly known to the people of 
South Boston and Dorchester as the Hoyt 
Company. The stores of the company 
are located at 347 Broadway and on Dor- 
chester avenue. Mr. Nichols was born 
in Cohasset, November 23, 1853. He re- 
mained in his native town but a short 
time when his parents removed to South 
Boston, settling in this district in 1862. 
He attended the Bigelow grammar school 
and after graduating in 1872, he at once 
entered mercantile life, selecting the hard- 
ware business. He gradually learned the 
business, and in 1880 he commenced the 
copartnership with his brother Calvin. 
In his business life Mr. Nichols has been 
eminently successful. He has always 
been held in the highest esteem by the 
people of South Boston. He is a trustee 
of the South Boston Savings Bank and 
also of the Lyman Locke estate. He is 
a member of Bethesda Lodge No. 30, 
I. O. O. F.. and for ten vears has been 



X 


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^^^^^K 


JL 


^^^^^^. '-X ■■ J 


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^^^^^m 



J. CARLETON NICHOLS. 

active as a trustee of that organization. 
He is a member of the St. Paul's Lodge, 
F. & A. M.; St. Mathew's Royal Arch 
Chapter; South Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion and the New England Hardware 
Dealers' Association. In each of these 
organizations he has been honored by 
appointments on committees of more 
than ordinary' interest. Mr. Nichols is a 
Republican in politics. In 1898, he was 
chosen by the Republicans to represent 
South Boston on the school committee, 
receiving the endorsement of the Public 
School Association, Independent Women 
Voters, the Committee of One Hundred, 
and the Republicans. He was elected 
in the close fight and has, since that time, 
served South Boston fearlessly and well. 
He has been foremost in any project that 
has tended to advance the condition of 
the schools in South Boston and has 
served on many important committees of 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



95 



that body. Mr. Nichols is 
married and lives in the pleas- 
ant residence located at 159 
K street. He has alway been 
active in matters pertaining 
to the interest of South Boston 
and is respected as one of the 
leading- citizens. 

THE LATE SUMNER 
CROSBY. 

This former resident of 
South Boston died in April, 
1875. He was born in Bil- 
lerica, Mass., in 1801, and was 
a lineal descendant of Simon 
and Ann Crosby, who came 
from England in 1631 and 
settled in Cambridge. He 
was educated in the public 
schools of Billerica, coming 
to Boston in 1840, where he 
achieved success in business. 
His acts of benevolence and 
good will towards his fellow- 
men, will belong remem- 
bered. He was married in 
1826 to Hariot Blanchard of 
Billerica, and with his estim- 
able helpmate took up his resi- 
dence in South Boston in 1840. 
In 1853, he established himself in the 
grain business on Dorchester avenue, 
taking in his son, William S. Crosby, as a 
partner in 1865, th^ business being after- 
wards, and to the present day, continued 
under the firm name of Sumner Crosby & 
Son. For many years the concern has 
conducted the largest business in the line 
in this vicinity, the reputation of the house 
being of the best. Beside laying the foun- 
dation and building up the large business 
now continued by his son, Mr. Crosby 
occupied many positions of public trust. 
He served as a member of the com- 
mon council, state legislature and senate 
with that strict regard for the public 
good that characterized the service of 
men of his day and district. During 
the civil war his service was freely given 
in aid of the soldiers, and he occupied a 
place on the Soldiers' Aid Committee, dis- 
tributing public contributions, and his 




THE LATE SIM.NKR 1ROSP.V. 

own funds when other means were not at 
his disposal, with that kindly nature pe- 
culiar to men of his temperament. His 
work for the sick, wounded and destitute 
was both arduous and faithful, and his 
sympathy for the suffering was always 
readily enlisted. He was one of the 
most interested workers in the establish- 
ment of the Boston City Hospital and 
was a member of the building committee 
of that institution ; he also served for 
several years as a member of the original 
board of trustees. He was a member of 
St. John's Lodge, F. tS: A. M., and was an 
interested worker and active member of 
the Hawes Church. 

THE LATE GILBERT WAIT. 

Among the deceased residents of 
South Boston the loss of none have 
been more deeply felt than that of Gil- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



bert Wait. He was for many years active 
in the affairs of South Boston, was the 
owner of Wait's Hall, and a man known 
for his kindly acts to his fellow-men. He 
died at his comfortable home on Fourth 
street, after a two weeks' illness, Decem- 
ber 15, 1886, at the age of sixty-eight. 
He was born in the town of Mexico, 
Maine, March 8, 181 8; came of an old 




THE LATE GILBERT WAIT. 

and distinguished family, among the early 
ancestry being Thomas Wayte, one of the 
signers of the death warrant of King 
Charles I of England, in 1648. On the 
paternal side were also William Wait and 
his son, minute men who fought side by 
side during the Revolution at Bunker Hill. 
Battle of Lexington, and took part in 
throwing up the fortifications at Dor- 
chester Heights. Gilbert Wait came to 
South Boston in 1869 and engaged in 
the provision lousiness witli store on 



Fourth street. Although the locality was 
but sparsely populated at that time, he 
became successful. He gradually became 
interested in real estate and in 1857 
built Wait's Hall, to the ground floor of 
which he removed his store, afterwards 
known as Washington market. The hall 
above became the leading place of this 
section of the city for select concerts, 
dancing parties and public 
events and served its pur- 
pose for many years. He 
acquired a thorough knowl- 
edge of the value of prop- 
erty here, and, being pos- 
sessed of unusually sound 
judgment, coupled with 
scrupulous honesty, his ad- 
vice was frequently sought, 
not only by the helpless 
widow and orphan to whom 
he was even an unfailing 
friend and strong protector, 
but he was often called 
upon to act as expert in ap- 
praising public and other 
property. Mr. Wait was a 
consistent and faithful mem- 
ber of the South Baptist 
church, and was a helpful 
member of that society from 
1842 to the time of his 
death. To this church he 
gave liberally of his means 
and time. He was one of 
the most influential of its 
members in raising the funds 
for the building of the 
edifice at the corner of F 
street ; and as a member of 
the building committee took 
a deep interest in its con- 
struction, personally superintending its- 
erection for the society, after the failure 
of the contractor, who was engaged by the 
church, to carry out the work. Mr. Wait 
represented South Boston in the board of 
aldermen during the term of 1866-186 7, 
was one of the corporation of the South 
Boston Savings bank, and was for many 
years one of the trustees of Mount 
Hope Cemetery. The deceased is sur- 
vived by his widow, one son and two 
daujrhters. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



97 



THE LATE WILLIAM McCULLOUGH. 

The late \\'illiam McCullough was the 
original florist of South Boston and 
one of the pioneer landscape gardeners 
of New England. To him is due, in a 
great measure, the progress made in 
gardening since the early days. He 
came to this district in the days when it 
was sparsely settled, in 1836, and occu- 
pied the old house on Fourth, between 
M and N streets. Surrounding this hand- 
some residence, was about one and one- 
half acres, made beautiful bv the horti- 



lough to retire from business and seek 
recuperation in Europe. His health 
was not benefited by his trip abroad, 
and he died in 1859 at the age of sixty- 
two years. Beside being a recognized 
artist in his line, his genial disposition 
made friends wherever he went. Mr. 
McCullough left two sons and a daughter 
at the time of his death. After his re- 
gretted decease, his business was removed 
to the estate of Dr. S. G. Howe and con- 
tinued for some years by his son William, 
until his death. Of the sons, \\'illiam 
has passed away, and Charles N. is still 




THE LATE WILLLAM McCULLOUCJH AND HIS OLD HOME ON FOUR'I'H STREET, 



cultural skill of Mr. McCullough. His 
grounds in those days were marvellous to 
behold. So magnificent was his display 
of flowers, that it was common for the 
elite of Boston to visit the grounds and ex- 
press their admiration of the picturesque 
scene. Mr. McCullough won plaudits 
from all sides for his genius. He had 
charge of the Boston Public Gardens in 
1847, with Rev. Charles F. Barnard. In 
addition to his reputation locally, he 
made a national reputation by his intro- 
duction of the tomato into the United 
States. Ill-health forced Mr. McCul- 



living, the latter being now engaged in 
mercantile pursuits. The daughter, Mrs. 
Mary B. Blom occupies a prominent 
position in South Boston social circles. 
She is a member of the Old Hawes 
School Girls' Association, and for ten years 
served that body as treasurer. Many of 
the older residents of South Boston will 
doubtless recognize the old house on 
Fourth street, and the likeness of Mr. 
McCullough. His name is one that will be 
long remembered in the art of horticul- 
ture, and his place has never been filled 
as a neighbor and resident of Citv Point. 



98 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



LIBERTY D. PACKARD, M. D. 

Among the citizens of South Boston 
few were better known or more beloved 
than Dr. Packard. His sterling charac- 
ter, genial disposition and sympathetic 
interest in his friends and in his city, made 
him welcome in many homes, and in pub- 
lic gatherings. One of the familiar sights 
was the doctor with his favorite horse 




I'HK I,ATK L. I). PACKARD, M. 1 

" Dolly " driving about the streets in liis 
daily round of calls. 

"- Born in 1 831, in Brockton, Mass.. then 
North Bridgewater, he received his early 
education at Adelphi Academy of that 
town. Later he studied at the Har- 
vard Medical School and New York 
Homoeopathic College from which he 
was graduated in 1862. After a six- 
months' experience in East Boston lie 
came to this section, and from that time 



to the day of his death, he had a large 
and continuous practice. He was friend 
as well as physician to many families, 
and his books show thousands of calls 
made for sweet charity's sake. 

He was a senior member of the 
American Institute of Homceopathy, a 
member of the New York Medical Society 
and senior member and ex-president of 
the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical 
Society. 

He was a strong Repub- 
lican and was honored by his 
party witli prominent posi- 
tions. In 1872 he was elected 
to the House of Represent- 
atives of the General Court, 
and served two years. From 
1867 to 1 87 1, in 1883, and, 
again, from 1888 to 1891, he 
was a member of the Boston 
school board, under whom he 
was the chairman of the 
South Boston Division. Hun- 
dreds of South Boston boys 
and girls have received their 
diplomas from his hand, and 
t)ften he has been called " the 
teacher's friend." 

In the membership of many 
social organizations his name 
will be found, among them 
the Adelphi Lodge, F. and 
A. M; Bethesda Lodge, I.O. 
(). F. ; Boston Lodge 134. 
Knights of Honor; Unity 
Lodge, No. 5, A. O. U. W. ; 
Lincoln C'ouncil, Ro}-al Ar- 
canum ; South Boston Citi- 
zens' Association. He was a 
trustee of the South Boston 
Savings' Bank. 

In his church life, lie was 
a devoted member of the St. John's 
Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. of which 
he was a trustee. 

His death, of heart trouble, came very 
suddenly at the close of a busy day, Jan- 
uary, 5, 1895, at his residence 538 Broad- 
way. He was married in 1853 to Lucy 
Kingman of Mansfield, Mass. His 
widow and three daughters survive him. 
His only son died in 1877 at the age of 



twentv-one vears. 



.>»; 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



99 



THE LATE OTIS D. DANA. 

Among the deceased residents of South 
Boston, none were held in higher esteem 
than the late Otis D. Dana, who, up to 
the time of his death, lived in the large 
brick residence at the corner of Broad- 
way and M Streets. 

Mr. Dana was born in Boston, July 17, 
1835. He came of an old and well-known 
family of merchants, and after receiving 
a good education, followed the example 
of his ancestors by engaging in mercan- 
tile pursuits early in life. At eighteen 
he entered the store of Eaton, Lovett & 
Wellington, where he remained during: 



enterprises. He served as a member of 
the city government, was for a time presi- 
dent of the old South Boston Street Rail- 
way Company, a trustee of the South 
Boston Savings Bank, and a director of 
the Freemans National Bank. He was 
also a member of the Algonquin, Mer- 
chants' and Art Clubs. 

He was widely known for his benevo- 
lence to the poor, and was held in high 
esteem by all who knew him. He was a 
member of St. Paul's Lodge, St. Omer 
Commandery, and also a Thirty-three De- 
gree Mason. He built a large number 
of houses in this district, and improved 
property here to a noticeable extent. 




the whole of his noted business career. 
From a boy he worked up through the 
various departments of the large hard- 
ware business until, in 1865, he had 
earned a membership in the firm, which 
at that time became t^aton, Wellington cS: 
Co. In 1867 he changed the firm to a 
corporation under the name of Dana 
Hardware Co., and became its president 
and treasurer. 

Up to the time of his regretted decease 
Mr. Dana was a tireless worker, and un- 
der his guidance the business was brought 
to its present large proportions. 

He was ever active in jDublic affairs, 
and was interested in man\- large business 

L.cfC. 



FRANK E. PARK. 

Of the older families of South Boston, 
there is no one more favorably known 
than Frank E. Park. A product of 
South Boston, Mr. Park has watched the 
growth of the district from smaller pro- 
portions to the immense settlement that it 
is found in the close of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. He is a son of the late Deacon Wil- 
liam Park, who came to South Boston in 
1825. Like his son, the father was also a 
mason and contractor and followed the 
business until the time of his death. The 
subject of this sketch was born in South 
Boston in 1835. His eckication was re- 
ceived in the Hawes grammar school on 
Broadway and the English high school. 
During the trying times of the Civil War 
he responded to the early call for volun- 
teers, and his name was found upon the 
rolls of the sixth Massachusetts volun- 
teers. Upon his return from the front, Mr. 
Park engaged in the business of mason 
and contractor, and has successfully car- 
ried on this business without interruption 
to the present day. During his career as a 
business man he has erected many mag- 
nificent buildings, including portions of 
the plant of the Jenney Manufacturing 
Company, the Jenkins Glass works, and 
the U'alworth Manufacturing Company. 
'I'hese are but few of the buildings in 
which Mr. Park has done a major jjortion 
of the work. 

In the political world he has always 
been sought bv his friends, and has been 



lOO 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



honored on several occasions for offices 
within the gift of the people. In 1890 he 
was elected to the common council from 
Ward 14 and last year was named as Re- 
publican candidate for the board of alder- 
men in the eighth aldermanic district, 
comprising Wards 14 and 15. Mr. Park 
made a magnificent showing in this over- 
whelming Democratic district. He has 
always been at the call of his party, and 




FRANK E. PARK. 

has given his time for the furtherance of 
its principles. He has on many occasion 
been rewarded with positions of trust in 
this community, and in the organizations 
which can claim him as a member. He 
is a past commander of Post 125 G. A. R. 
which was afterward merged with the 
Dahlgren Post 2, of which he is a mem- 
ber, the lioston Yacht Club, Hawes School 
Association, South Boston Citizens' Asso- 
ciation, different branches of the Masonic 



order, and other civil and fraternal bod- 
ies. He takes a deep interest in the 
Hawes School Association, among which 
are numbered the boys of his school days, 
and in 1899 he served as president of 
that body after a unanimous election. 

Mr. Park takes pardonable pride in 
owning and living in the old Blake house 
at the corner of Broadway and P street, 
and from the windows of this historic 
residence he has watched the 
growth of South Boston from 
a thinly-settled place to a dis- 
trict with hardly a spare inch 
of building room. Anything 
proposed for the benefit of 
this district finds a firm sup- 
porter in the above-named 
well-known a n d esteemed 
resident. 

DR. WILLIAM J. GALLIVAN. 

Dr. William J. Gallivan, 
who occupies the distinguish- 
ed position of president of 
the Boston School Board, is 
also one of the leading mem- 
bers of the medical profession 
in South Boston. Although 
born in Boston, this district 
claims him as its own. He 
removed to South Boston 
with his parents when quite 
young, and with his family 
was educated in the public 
schools. Dr. (Jallivan's alma 
mater was the Lawrence 
school on B street, from which 
he graduated in 1879. He 
then attended the Boston 
Latin school, graduating in 
1884. In order to further 
brighten his intellect, he took 
the academic course at Harvard college, 
attaining the degree of A.B. in i888. 
After that he attended the Harvard Medi- 
cal school, graduating as an M.D. in 1892. 
Since becoming a member of the immense 
force of physicians in this district, he has 
succeeded in establishing a large practice 
among the residents not alone of South 
Boston, but of the neighboring district. 
During the past six years Dr. Gallivan 
has been selected by the great masses of 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



lOI 



Boston, to represent them in Boston's 
great school board. Last year, after five 
years' experience on the board, he was 
selected to preside over the deliberations 
of that body, which he has done with ap- 
parent ease and grace. To him belongs 
a large amount of credit for his untiring 
efforts in behalf of the new South Boston 
high school, which building now graces 
Dorchester Heights. Under his able 
leadership appropriations 
amounting to $300,000, were 
secured. The present site was 
obtained by him after a hard 
fought battle. To Dr. Galli- 
van's persistent efforts is 
partly clue the final securing 
for the use of South Boston 
schools a portion of the cele- 
brated Christopher Gibson 
fund, left by the great phi- 
lanthropist, Christopher Gib- 
son, for the benefit of schools 
in Dorchester. Dr. Gallivan 
discovered the fact that at 
the time the bequest was 
made, South Boston was a 
part of Dorchester, and 
through his work a portion of 
the bequest has been donated 
to the use of South Boston's 
schools. P'or nearly f o u )■ 
years the schools have been 
able to secure supplemen- 
tary reading by reason of this 
fund, Dr. Gallivan has been 
considered one of the strong- 
est men on the school board, 
and one profoundly interested 
in the cause of education. 
He is held in high esteem all 
over Boston and is a valued 
resident. He is a member 
of the Massachusetts Medical Society, 
Knights of Columbus, Columbia Yacht 
Club, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Chari- 
table Irish Society and the Massachu- 
setts Catholic Order of Foresters. 

Few men of South Boston are better 
known than Dr. (iallivan, and few men 
of Boston are better able to fill his respon- 
sible position in the community. His 
interest in education makes him a valued 
citizen. 



THE LATE E. H. BRAINARD. 

One of the most successful business 
men in this locality was Mr. Edward H. 
Brainard. He was born in \\'est New- 
bury, Oct. 28, 1 8 13. At the age of 
seventeen, he left home, and served as a 
messenger in the employ of the Adams Ex- 
press Company. This position he held 
for several years, but it was not altogether 




DR. W. .1. C.AI.I.IVAN. 

suited to his tastes, and did not give him 
the opportunity to develop his mechanical 
skill. After leaving the express company, 
lie devoted his attention to the manufac- 
turing of wagons, carriages, etc. This 
aftorded him wider scope for his inven- 
ti\-e genius, and through rare business 
tact, and judgment, he built u]) a large 
trade in iiis special line. The large 
manufactory at the corner of Sixth street 
and Dorchester avenue was for a long 



I02 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 



time, a hive of industry and prosperity. 
During the civil -war, he made, and pat- 
ented ambulances which were adopted by 
the government, and recognized all over 
the world as a triumph of skill in the 
mechanical art. He was awarded a medal 
at the Paris Exposition, and, during the 
Franco-Prussian struggle, the French 
government accepted and prized his in- 
vention. Mr. Brainard in all his business 
transactions was a careful and 
industrious manager. H i s 
success in any project was 
always assured him Ijy his 
foresight, and good judg- 
ment. These were in de- 
mand, and his services in 
common council, as well as 
ujDon the school committee 
gave him an opportunity 
where these qualities ren- 
dered valued assistance to 
the city. In social life, he 
was a popular and compan- 
ionable man. In 1854 he 
joined the St. John's Lodge, 
and a few years later on, be- 
came a member of St. Paul's 
Lodge, South Boston. The 
Knight Templars orders, he 
received in the De Molay 
Commandery of Boston. He 
was a Mason of the Thirty- 
second degree in the A. A. 
Scottish rite of Masonry, and 
for eight years was president 
of the Eastern Masonic Mu- 
tual Relief Association. 

For many years, he served 
as a vestryman in St. Mat- 
thews Episcopal church. This 
church always had his gen- 
erous support, and constant 
interest. Mr. Brainard is an instance of 
the self-made man. His ventures in Inisi- 
ness life began in a small way as a pul)- 
lisher and bookseller before he realh- 
began the life work of carriage building. 
His perseverance .stands out in all his 
transactions. Honest and indefatigable in 
his work, he overcame many difficulties, 
and patiently worked his way up, so that 
some years before he retired from busi- 
ness, he acquired a large competence, 



made possible by wise investments in real 
estate. He was greatly interested in all 
the topics of the day, and read with 
pleasure the new departures and ad- 
vances in his own line of business. After 
a life of ceaseless activity, he went to his 
rest, third of June, 1888, and the funeral 
services were held at his residence, three 
days later, the Rev. Lyman Abbott, D.D., 
and the Rew A. E. (leor^e, otificiatino:. 




HK LAIK F.DWAKI) H. r.KAINARD. 

The interment was in Mt. Hope C'eme- 
teiy. 

THE LATE DAVID M. PIERCE. 

Tile late Sergeant l)a\id M. Pierce was 
one of tlie best-known police officers in 
IJoston. Me served his city for twenty- 
six vears. fourteen of which were in South 
Hoston. lie was born in Tunhridge. 
\'ermont, in 1S29. and when a young 
man he came to 15oston, tilled witii en- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



103 



ergy. During the trying times of the 
Boston riot, August 31, 1864, he became 
a member of the Boston police force, at 
the age of thirty-four years. He was 
assigned to duty at Station i. While 
doing duty at the North End he was pro- 
moted to a sergeantcy, July 6, 1885. He 
was subsequently transferred to Station 
7, East Boston, and later to Station 12, 
South Boston. At the latter station he 
served fourteen years, remaining there 
mitil his retirement January, 5, 1891. 
During his ofhcial connection with the 




THE l.ATK DAVID M. PIKRCE. 

police force, Sergeant Pierce was re- 
garded throughout the department as a 
good officer, faithful to his trust on all 
occasions and discreet in the extreme. 
His duty was performed in a thoroughly 
conscientious manner, and at the time of 
severing his connection with the police 
department, he had the confidence of his 
superiors and the rank and file of the de- 
partment. His death occurred February 
II, 1893. He was twice married, and 
to Joanna C. Powers, who now survives, 
in 1888. He left two sons, Frank S. 
Pierce, who is living, and Frederick 1). 
Pierce, now deceased. 



BENJAMIN JAMES. 

Of the older residents of South Boston, 
there is no one who is dearer to the people 
than the venerable Benjamin James. One 
of the most devoted of South Boston's citi- 
zens, he has safely passed through eight 
decades, devoting much of that time to 
the welfare of South Boston, his adopted 
residence. He was born August 24, 
1 8 1 4, in the town of Scituate. His father, 
Dr. Elisha James was a practicing physi- 
cian in the town for over forty years. 
He is old old Pilgrim stock, being the 
sixth generation direct from Peregrine 
White, the first white child born in New 
England. His father and mother both 
trace back their genealogy to the Pilgrim 
family of W'illiam White, father of Pere- 
grine White. Mr. James passed sixteen 
years in the town of his birth, attending 
school and working hard on his father's 
farm. He came to Boston in 1821 being 
apprenticed four years to the house and 
ship joiner trade. He was married at 
the age of twenty-two. His record in 
state and city affairs is without a blemish, 
and a record seldom made by a citizen 
of Boston. He served in the Common 
Council in 1848-49 ; the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1850-51 and the Board of 
Aldermen in 1852-53. The board then 
consisted of eight members. He was re- 
elected in 1857-58 and also four more 
times in 1866-67-68 and '69. During 
the latter year he was chairman. In 
those days there were no commissions 
and the work of an alderman was no sine- 
cure, being a member of the board mean- 
ing hard work. When he retired from 
the board, he was given a unanimous vote 
of the members for his valuable assist- 
ance. In 1870, he visited California with 
the Boston Board of Trade. In 1872 he 
made a trip to Europe with ex-mayor 
Henry L. Pierce and James M. Bugbee, 
then clerk of committees in city hall. 
l""or the past sixty years he has lived in 
South 15oston. Mere he learned iiis 
trade, here he married and brought up 
six sons, all of whom attended the pri- 
mary, grammar and high schools, and who 
have added lustre to the history of South 
Boston, lie has alwavs been active in 



I04 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



real estate circles, and has built i 2t, houses 
all of which are to-day standing, never 
having been visited by fire or blizzard. 
In 1 860-6 1 he was a member of the 
lumber firm of B. and G. B. James, Pope 
and Company, with yards, dock and mills 
on First street. He was for thirty-two 
years a trustee of the well-known Hawes 
fund, nine of Avhich he served as treas- 
urer, with a bond of $40,000. He was a 
director of the South Boston Gas Light 




THE LATE CAPTAIN M. J. DRISCOLL. 

Company for sixteen years, eleven of 
which he served as treasurer. He is also 
one of the original corporate members of 
the South Boston Savings Bank, a direc- 
tor of the South Boston horse railroad, 
life member of the Massachusetts Chari- 
table Mechanic Association, having been 
a member for upwards of thirty years, and 
an original trustee of the Franklin Savings 
Bank. He is also a member of the Bos- 
ton Club, which organization presented 



him with a gold-headed cane Februaiy 
21, 1 89 1. Mr. James has ever made 
friends, and never an enemy. His life is 
one bright page of love and esteem, and 
his memories are everlasting. He has 
been remarkably healthy, scarcely having 
a day's sickness in the last seventy years. 

THE LATE M. J. DRISCOLL. 

The late Captain Michael J. Uriscoll 
was one of the well-known citizens of 
South Boston. Captain Dris- 
coll passed away May 3 i , 1900. 
In yachting and business 
circles and among his many 
associates he w-as held in high 
esteem. He was born on Broad 
street, in the Old Fort Hill dis- 
trict, September, 1833. He 
attended the old Boylston 
school on Washington street, a 
school that sent out into the 
world hundreds of boys, who 
afterwards made old Fort Hill 
famous because of their attain- 
ments. After leaving school he 
became interested in the yacht- 
ing and boating business. Cap- 
tain Driscoll was one of the 
pioneer excursion-boat owners 
of Boston. His fieet of boats, 
the "Welcome," "Surprise" 
and " Pleasure," were famous 
for the large parties they car- 
ried to the numerous pleas- 
ure resorts in Boston harbor. 
About 1875, l"*^ entered the 
liquor business. At the time 
of his demise, he conducted a 
large store on Atlantic avenue. 
Captain Driscoll became a 
resident of South Boston about 
1869. He represented old 
Ward 5 in the City Council, in 1868, 
making an excellent representative of 
the district. Captain DriscoU's circle 
of friends was extremely large. His 
famous steam yacht " The Skylark " car- 
ried many pleasant parties down the 
harbor, the memories of which yet linger 
in the minds of those who were privileged 
to participate therein, and who still re- 
main among the li\ing. He was a mem- 
ber of the South l^oston Yacht Club, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



105 



the Charitable Irish Society, the (^Id 
Boylston School Association, the Order 
of Good Fellows, and the South Boston 
Citizens' Association. 

HON. CHARLES T. GALLAGHER. 

Gallagher, Charles Theodore, was born 
in South Boston, on Old Harbor street, 
next to the Hall J. How estate, where the 
Carney Hospital now stands, May 
21, 1 85 1. His father and 
mother, William and Emily 
Gallagher, had moved from 
Dorchester about 1847, and 
lived first on A street and 
then on Dorchester Heights, 
the father being a dealer in 
stoves and ranges on Broad- 
way, at the corner of Dor- 
chester avenue. 

The subject of the sketch 
attended the Bigelow and the 
old Hawes schools. After a 
year and a half of the Hawes 
school, he attended the Lin- 
coln school for two weeks, 
and then, on account of 
change of lines, he attended 
the Bigelow school until he 
graduated in 1865, a year 
later than naturally ex- 
pected ; as in the spring of 
1864 he enlisted as a drum- 
mer boy, before he attained 
the age of thirteen years, in 
the first unattached company- 
Massachusetts Infant r y . 
known as the Lincoln Guards, 
formed in South Boston, be- 
ing the last call of troops in 
Massachusetts during the 
War of the Rebellion. He 
served about four months. 
After the war, he joined the Tenth Mas- 
sachusetts which afterwards became the 
First Massachusetts \'olunteer Militia. 

In 1865, he entered the English High 
school, where he organized the first drum 
corps for any public school battalion. 
He continued intending to enter Harvard 
College, but ill health led him to enter 
mercantile pursuits, and he spent a year 
and a half or more in Canada, in the 



pine woods. Coming back strengthened 
in mind and body, he continued his stud- 
ies under private instructors in the clas- 
sics and modern languages until 1873, 
then taking up the study of the first year's 
course in the Harvard Law School, when 
he entered the office of Hon. Ambrose 
A. Ranney, and continued his law course 
in Boston University Law School, from 
which he graduated with the degree of 
L.L.B. in 1875. He was admitted to 




KENJAMIN JAMES. 

the bar in November of the same year, 
being admitted to the United States Su- 
preme Court at Washington in 1882. 
He received his degree of A.M. from 
Dartmouth College in 1894. 

During his student days he removed 
to Broadway near H street, where he re- 
mained with his parents until married in 
1880 to Nellie W. Allen of Scituate, 
granddaughter of Rev. Morrill Allen, a 



io6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 



noted preacher of Plymouth county, who 
preached a sermon on the day he was 
ninety years of age, at the old church at 
Pembroke. Immediately on his marriage 
he went to live at 26 Thomas Park, where 
he remained until 1898, when he removed 
to Roxbury at 346 Walnut avenue, corner 
of Ruthven street near Franklin Park. 
There are three children, Morrill Allen, 
Amy and Emily. 

During his residence in South Boston 




HON. (.HARI.K^ 



AI,L.\( 



he was always identified willi its iiiteiL'Sts 
public and private. 

In his early days he attended tlie Phil- 
lips church, corner of A street. After 
his marriage, he became trustee of the 
Broadway Unitarian and the Hawes 
Place churches under the joiui Ilawes 
will. 

For twelve years he represented .South 
Boston in the school committee, being 



generally nominated by both political 
parties, during the last four years of 
which he was president of the Board. 
He also served in the State Senate in 
1882, was afterwards twice nominated for 
Congress, declining the latter nomination 
on account of pressure of private business. 
He was for many years a director in the 
Mechanics National Bank, when it was 
located in South Boston ; also a director 
in the Mattapan Deposit cS; Trust Co.; a 
trustee, and one of the In- 
vestment Committee of the 
South Boston Savings Bank ; 
was one of the founders of 
the Dahlgren Memorial Hall 
Association, being a member 
of Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R. ; 
one of the trustees of the 
John Hawes Fund, that 
noble charity that has done 
so much for South Boston, 
having special charge for 
several years of the admin- 
istration of the educational 
part of the fund ; he is a 
member, and at one time 
was president, of the Hawes 
School Boys Association ; in 
1878-79 he was master of St. 
Paul's Lodge, and has since 
then been a trustee of its 
funds ; he is a member also 
of St. Matthews Chapter and 
St. Omer Commandery. 
Knights Templar. 

( )utside of South Boston 
he has been a director in 
railroads, life associations, 
numerous corporations, and 
trustee of various estates, 
having had charge of the 
settlement of almost every 
large estate in South Boston 
since he entered into practice ; at one 
time he was trustee under the will of 
lienjamin 1^'ranklin : although as a law- 
ver he has had in addition an extensive 
court and corporation practice. 

He is a member of the Jiostonian So- 
ciety ; a life member of the Young Men's 
Christian Union; he was in 1897 elected 
a trustee of Boston Lhiiversity ; is a mem- 
ber of the executive Council of the Bos- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



107 



ton Bar Association ; for more than 
twenty years one of the Commissioners 
of Trials, and for several years a director 
of the corporation of the Grand Lodge of 
Masons in Massachusetts. Besides other 
important offices in this order, in 1900 
he was elected Grand Master of Masons 
for the State ; for several years a mem- 
ber of the Boston Art Club, he was in 
1900 elected its president; being a mem- 
ber of the Athletic, Exchange, Algonquin 
and University clubs, to- 
gether with other law and 
dining clubs in the city. 

COL. J. PAYSON BRADLEY. 

No citizen of South Bos- 
ton is more favorably known 
than Col. J. Payson Brad- 
ley. He is a son of Cap- 
tain Leverett, and Catherine 
(Frye) Bradley, and was 
born in Methuen, June 7. 
1 848, on a farm on the banks 
of the Merrimac occupied 
by his ancestors since the 
earliest settlement of that 
section. His great-grand- 
father, Enoch Bradley, was 
a soldier of the Revolution, 
and on his mother's side he 
is related to Colonel Frye, 
who commanded a regiment 
at Bunker Hill. His pater- 
nal grandfather was a cap- 
tain of dragoons and his 
father, a captain in the old 
sixth regiment, and later a 
captain of artillery in the 
civil war. Colonel Bradley 
was educated in his native 
city and in Lawrence, leav- 
ing the latter in t86i to 
enlist as a drummer in the i 
chusetts volunteer infantry, 
ment was later changed 
Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, of which 
he became bugler. He proceeded with 
his battalion to Harper's l-'erry and the 
Shenandoah valley. After the evacuation 
of Harper's Ferry and the battle of 
(Gettysburg, the battalion returned to the 
regiment, which, acting as infantry, joined 



4th M assa- 
il is regi- 
to the I.St 



General Grant's column at Washington. 
He served through the entire campaign 
from the terrible battle of the Wilderness, 
where his regiment lost 398 men in killed 
and wounded, to Spottsylvania, Cold Har- 
bor, Petersburg, Weldon railroad, etc., 
until by permission of Generals Meade 
and Hancock, he was returned home ex- 
hausted and worn by exposure. He was 
honorably discharged just before the 
close of the war. In 1884 he was elected 




president of tiie association of iiis regi- 
ment. After the war he prepared him- 
self for a draftsman and engineer. In 1 886 
he entered the employ of the Downer 
Kerosene Company of South Boston, and 
in 1880, became a member of the firm of 
Allen, Uradley \- Company, whicli suc- 
ceeded the 1 )owner Company. Tlie tirni 
became The Kehew-Bradley Company 
in 1894. with offices at 24 Purchase 



io8 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



street. Soon after coming to South Bos- 
ton he married Emma Frances, daughter 
of JYancis James, making his home at 
499 Broadway. Four children have been 
born to them, Francis E., Fannie J., Mar- 
ion and Mildred. He has never held 
any elective office, although often urged 
by his friends. Joining the militia in 
1873, he served in the artillery and cav- 
alry until discharged in 1877, as adju- 
tant and first lieutenant. The same year 
he joined the Ancient and Honorable 




Artillery Company, serving as sergeant of 
infantry in 1880, adjutant in 1888 and 
national color-bearer in 1896, during the 
visit of the company to England, being 
the first man to carry the American fiag 
under arms, in the streets of London and 
into Windsor Castle before the Queen. 
In 1897 he was elected commander of 
the company, and the same year was ap- 
pointed assistant adjutant general and 
served three years with the rank of colo- 
nel on the staff of (Governor Wolcott. 



Colonel Bradley is a charter member of 
Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R., and its third 
commander, and is a past member of the 
National Council of Administration. He 
has been an active worker for the erec- 
tion of the monument on Dorchester 
Heights, which through his vigilance has 
now been built, commemorating the erec- 
tion of the fortifications which caused the 
British to evacuate Boston, March 15, 
1776. C'olonel Bradley is president of 
the Dahlgren Memorial Hall Association, 
and officer of the Phillips Congrega- 
tional church, and a member of the 
Old Boston Congregational Club, 
Bostonian Society, American His- 
torical Society, Military Historical 
Society of Massachusetts, New Al- 
gonquin Club, Old Dorchester Club, 
and Columbia Lodge, F. A. M. 

OLIVER BLISS STEBBINS. 

This well-known citizen of South 
Boston represents the literary portion 
of this district ; and for many years 
he has held a leading position as a 
musical and dramatic critic. Mr. 
Stebbins was born in South Boston, 
December 22, 1833, the only son 
of the late Dr. John Bliss Stebbins, 
a prominent physician of South Bos- 
ton sixty years ago. His education 
was acquired in the public schools. 
Craduating from the Hawes Gram- 
mar school as the first Franklin 
medal scholar, he entered the Eng- 
lish high school, from which he 
also graduated with high honors. 
His school life completed he entered 
upon a mercantile career, but not 
finding that to his taste, soon aban- 
doned it for literature. He was yet young 
when he was elected a member of the Mat- 
tapan Literary Association, and soon rose 
to the position of secretary and director. 
Shortly after he became assistant editor of 
the " Mattapan Register," a weekly paper 
of South Boston. His prose and poetical 
contributions to this publication were 
widely read and copied. Erom 1S67 to 
1879 he held a responsil)lL' position in 
the Boston custom house. During these 
years, and later, his contributions to liter- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



109 



ature, both historical and dramatic, were 
many. In the summer of 1898 Mr. 
Stebbins delivered three lectures, two of 
which were on Shakespeare's " Macbeth,'' 
before the Playgoers Club of Boston. 
At various times he was correspondent 
of the " New York Musical Review^" the 
•• New York Dramatic News," and many 
daily papers. Later he filled the posi- 
tion of musical and dramatic critic on 
the staff of the " Boston Daily \\'orld." 

Mr. Stebbins has a great liking for the 
study of American history, and is 
an authority on that interesting sub- 
ject. He is an enthusiastic student 
of history and the sciences and pos- 
sesses one of the largest libraries 
in South Boston, his collection of 
rare books and pictures being very 
valuable. Among the more promi- 
nent products of his pen are " A 
History of Dorchester Neck Dur- 
ing the Revolution," a history of 
the Hawes grammar school, and 
a biographical sketch of Gen. Will- 
iam H. Sumner, published by the 
New England Historical Genealogi- 
cal Society, of the latter of which he 
is a member. His contributions to 
volumes edited by others have been 
numerous. For several years Mr. 
Stebbins has been preparing matter 
for a history of South Boston. In 
1899 he was president of the Old 
Hawes School Boys' Association of 
South Boston. 

THE LATE CAPT. PETER 
PETERSON. 

The late Capt. Peter Peterson, 
who up to the time of his regretted 
decease resided at 54 Ci street, was 
a gentleman of the old school and a val- 
ued resident of South Boston. Loving- 
memories cling to his name. For forty 
years a resident, he was one whose happy 
disposition, dignified bearing and kind- 
heartedness to his fellow'-man endeared 
him to all. He was born in Denmark in 
18 10, and died at his home in May, 1897. 
At the age of twenty he came to lioston 
and followed the sea. At the age of thirty- 
one he became master of a full-rigged ship. 
In 1833 he made a voyage to California 



and return, bringing back a cargo of hides, 
called in those days California bank 
notes. 

He rightly earned the title of the best 
■' Cape Horner " on the deep. He made 
numerous voyages around the world, but 
in after years engaged in the East India 
and China trade. In 1846 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Katherine St. Leger, and she 
for many years accompanied the captain 
on his voyages around the world, making 
several trips. Beside being a careful 




skipper he possessed remarkal)lc business 
ability and displayed great judgment in 
the disposal of his cargoes. It was dur- 
ing the civil war that he abandoned the 
sea. While in Melbourne, Australia, he 
found that he could not continue sailing 
under the American fiag and he returned 
to this country, taking up his residence on 
(} street where he remained in private life 
until his death. lie completed over fifty 
years of married life, thirty-six years of 
which were spent in his pleasant South 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Boston home. He was ever found at his 
fireside with his excellent and devoted 
helpmeet, and many hours were spent re- 
lating his wide experiences of his travels 
in his clippers from one country to another 
to his large circle of friends. During his 
life he was an attendant at St. Matthew's 
Episcopal Church. The name of Captain 
Peterson will long be associated with the 
memories of South Boston. He was a 
great giver to charity and knowing that 
he was pleasantly situated he had a kind 
remembrance for others who were not as 
well off as himself. All regretted his de- 
mise. 

JOHN SOUTHER. 

No man born in South Boston and still 
identified with its business interests has 
won greater distinction in life than Mr. 
John Souther whose portrait adorns the 
next page. He came into the world March 
i,i8i6. He attended the old Hawes school 
the very first year it was opened. At the 
age of fourteen he became an apprentice 
at carpentering and pattern making for 
machinery. At the age of twenty-one he 
took a position at a new foundry in Ma- 
tanzas, Cuba, as draftsman and pattern 
maker for sugar-mill machinery. Two 
years later he returned home with the in- 
tention of starting a shop to build sugar- 
mill machinery, but Mr. Hinckley of 
Boston, who was about starting the first 
locomoti\e works in New England per- 
suaded him to make a set of drawings 
and patterns for their first locomotive ; 
and for five years thereafter Mr. Souther 
remained with the Hinckley Locomotive 
\\'orks, making every working drawing 
and pattern for the different classes of en- 
gines they made. In tiic early forties 
Mr. Souther established tlie first locomo- 
tive works in South Boston and manu- 
factured, during fifty years, a variety of 
machinery for carr\ang out the greatest 
national enterprises and public impro\ e- 
ments of the nineteenth century. 

These works have manufactured oxer 
eight hundred locomotive engines and 
steam shovels for road construction, and 
for operating these roads after they were 
completed. They have been used on 
railroads in every state and the Canadas, 



from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. 
The many hundred steam shovels they 
have built for railroad construction, have 
not only expedited the progress of work, 
but have cheapened its cost greatly. 

From these same works was sent 
around Cape Horn, in 1849, the first loco- 
motive used in California on the first 
railroad, from Sacramento to Fulsom, 
where gold was first discovered. Twenty- 
four years later these works sent two more 
locomotives around Cape Horn to Cali- 
fornia and these locomotives took the first 
train from the Pacific Ocean with the 
governors, and the last railroad tie with 
golden spikes to make the connection at 
Ogden with the Union Pacific R.R. to 
take the first train through to the Atlantic. 

For government, harbor, river and 
naval improvements the Souther works 
have turned out many great pieces of ma- 
chinery. The famous Souther dredging 
machines, designed by Mr. Souther and 
built under his direction, are known to the 
world over as the best. They are, and for 
a long time have been, used by the Rus- 
sian, English, Japanese and Egyptian as 
well as iVmerican governments. They 
have been used for work on the Suez, the 
Alexandria and the Nile and Panama 
canals ; and for railroad building and 
dock dredging at home and abroad. 
They stand preeminent among all classes 
of American machinery in foreign use. 

It was this class of dredging machine 
that was used to carry out the city of 
Boston harbor and land improvements, 
begun in 1847, '-^^^^ continued to this clay. 
Up to 1847 there had been but one steam- 
dredge used in our harbor — the old 
style English endless chain bucket 
dredge, that could not dig the original 
hard-pan bottom and was only used to 
clean out the soft mud that fioated in be- 
tween the wharves. At this time the 
city let out their first contract for the 
deepening of the South Bay between 
Harrison avenue and South Boston. All 
of the material was to be used to make 
land from Dover street to Roxbury, from 
Harrison avenue to the outside of Albany 
street. To do this work Mr. Souther de- 
signed and built the first single scoop 
dredge expressly for this South Bay 



HISTORY OF SOUTH lU)STON. 



dredging, and a second machine for ele- 
vating this material to till the lots to 
grade, sixteen feet above mean low water. 
All this was completed by these machines 
and done in one quarter of the time it 
could have been done by the former proc- 
ess used for making these fills. 

The next city improvement was the 
Back Bay filling, begun in the early fifties. 
All of this filling, between Beacon and 
Washington streets, espe- 
cially from Dover street out 
to Roxbury, was filled with 
gravel from hills eleven 
miles out of the city, and 
material was all handled by 
the Souther steam shovels. 

Further city improve- 
ment done with this ma- 
chinery, was the removal of 
Fort hill, fifty-four feet high, 
covering about seven acres, 
and with the material filling 
all the land from Commer- 
cial street out and including 
Atlantic avenue from India 
wharf north to Commercial 
wharf. 

The last dredging plant 
put by Mr. Souther on city 
improvements, costing one 
hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars, was for deepening 
the main harbor from Fort 
Point Channel to City Point. 
The fiats were dredged to 
make thirty-five feet at low- 
tide, making a n c h o r a g e 
ground for our large ocean 
steamers. The material was 
used to make the first twenty- 
five-acre lot for the state, and 
the adjoining fifty-acre lot 
for the Boston cV Albany railroad com- 
pany, and later an adjoining hundred- 
acre state lot ; all of the difi^erent named 
lots have been filled with the Souther 
dredge and excavator machinery, which 
has added to and doubled the area of 
the city territory, which with the build- 
ings thereon has increased the city's 
permanent taxable property over two 
hundred million dollars. 

Another branch of Mr. Souther's busi- 



ness has been the making of sugar-mill 
machinery which he shipped annually, 
one hundred thousand dollars in value, to 
the Island of Cuba for sixteen years in 
succession, up to the War of the Rebellion, 
when the rebel privateers prevented 
further shipments. He also built the first 
steam sugar mill used on the Sandwich 
Islands and at San Domingo. 

At the commencement of the War of 




the Rebellion in iS6i, the United States 
government sent the engineer in chief to 
John Souther's works to see if they had 
tlu' large class of machinery adapted to 
make machinery for war vessels. He 
decided they had and urged Mr. Souther 
to prepare for government work. Fvery 
other class of work but the excavator and 
dredge was dropped and the works put 
machinery into eight war vessels during 
the following five years, and worked over 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



four hundred men on vessels, from a frig- 
ate and sloop of war to gunboats. They 
also built the hulls of two iron-clad moni- 
tors, and had to add to their buildings two 
ship houses and a boiler shop on Boston 
wharf, each 250 feet long, to build the 
two hulls and the twenty-four hfty-ton 
boilers to put in these vessels. 

After completing the government con- 
tracts for war vessels the demand was 
such for harbor, river and railroad con- 
struction machinery that they have made 
a specialty of this branch of business up 
to 1899 when the works were destroyed 
a second time by the Old Colony rail- 
road crossing through their lots first on 
Foundry street, and the second time on 
Dorchester avenue. Their works were 
first established for twelve years on First 
street, A street and Granite street, occu- 
pying the square. When this was de- 
stroyed by fire, they moved to Foundry 
street and from there to Dorchester 
avenue. 

Oneotherenterprise Mr. Southerstarted 
in 1 85 2, outside of his works at South 
Boston, was a locomotive works at Rich- 
mond, Va., for the southern trade. It was 
the only locomotive works in the slave 
states before or since the War of the Re- 
bellion. At the time there was no south- 
ern road that ran within forty miles of 
Washington, and Mr. Souther shipped 
his locomotives by vessels to Richmond. 

There were two rolling mills at Rich- 
mond owned by General Anderson, a 
West Point graduate, who showed Mr. 
Souther his works, and the advantages 
that he could derive by manufacturing 
locomotives there, where the iron was 
made. He ofi^ered to put up buildings 
and furnish ample water power if Mr. 
Souther would stock the shop with tools 
and machinery for two hundred men, and 
would superintend starting the works the 
first year, and -take a hundred experi- 
enced men from his ISoston works. He 
further agreed for such ser\ice to gi\e 
Mr. Souther a half interest in the busi- 
ness, and the offer was accepted. The 
works he called the Tredegar Locomotive 
Works. 'J'hey turned out a number of 
locomotives the first year, while Mr. 
Souther spent half his time at each of his 



works, passing between Richmond and 
Boston twenty-four times a year. After 
two years Mr. Souther sold out his inter- 
est to General Anderson. Later the 
War of the Rebellion broke out, the Con- 
federate government seized these works 
(they being Mie only works in the Confed- 
erate states) and made cannon, shot and 
shell and locomotives, employing three 
thousand men, 

All the capital put in the Boston works- 
was, from the start put in by Mr. Souther 
from his earnings as employee while at 
the Cuban foundry and the Hinkley 
works, with the exception of $500, put in 
by Mr. Lyman, his bookkeeper, for a 
consideration, which amount he drew out 
in six months. Mr. Souther retained the 
whole interest for ten years. Then after 
returning from the Richmond works he 
had the Globe Works Company incorpo- 
rated by a special act of the legislature, 
and three of his leading employees took 
a tenth of his stock, and when the govern- 
ment contracts were finished, he bought 
back the stock and again became sole 
owner. 

To show the brevity of life of the 
pioneer iron works in South Boston and 
their operatives, one need only to look to 
South Boston, where, on Foundry street, 
five manufactories have all been swept 
away by railroad improvements. The 
Hinckley Locomotive Works at the South 
End, has gone and has given place to 
the new Electric Light and Power Com- 
pany's plant. Of the three hundred em- 
ployed at the Hinckley works when Mr. 
Souther left, there are but two now living 
besides himself, and they are Mr. John 
Daniels, who was foreman for fifty years 
of erecting engines and went out with the 
first locomotive, and Mr. George Bird of 
East Boston. And of their employees 
that went to Richmond from South Bos- 
ton, to start the locomotive works, there 
are only two left. Mr. (leorge Miller, who 
was foreman of the iron finishing, and 
Mr. Richard Ilewins, foreman of the 
brass finishing. 

Mr. ^Souther's capacity for business 
has never been equaled by any Bos- 
ton manufacturer ; and now. long past 
the octogenarian mark, he is still active. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



113 



THE LATE DAVID HALE. 

In sketching the life of tlie late David 
Hale, it is not necessary to dwell at 
length on a number of facts. The events 
of this old South Bostonian are few, but 
they cover an honorable period of a little 
over sixty-six years. David Hale was 
born in South Boston, at 391 Broadway, 
October 21, 1833, and was the son of 
Aaron and Mary Ann 
(Dean) Hale. From the 
father he inherited his in- 
ventive genius, and from 
his mother the sterling qual- 
ities of business ability and 
broad comprehensive ideas. 
ISIr. Hale was well known as 
a rubber manufacturer and 
was the son of a manufac- 
turer of that line of goods. 
Way back in the " fifties " 
Aaron Hale engaged in the 
rubber business in this dis- 
trict. He had four sons, 
three of whom went into the 
business of the father, Al- 
fred dying some twenty 
years ago and George two 
years ago. After the de- 
cease of the sons the busi- 
ness was still continued 
under the firm name of 
Alfred Hale & Co. David 
Hale lived simply, dealt 
justlv, had moderate busi- 
ness ambition, and left a 
comfortable fortune. He 
entered the business when 
but eighteen years of age, 
and acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the rubber 
business. Besides this lie 
manufactured diving armor, on which 
he made a world-wide reputation. His 
factory was in this district and his 
store on School street. With this he 
was content and was never tempted to 
branch out in the manner followed by 
younger concerns. He was a frank, 
hearty, kindly gentleman, with strong 
likes and dislikes. He was a firm be- 
liever in the old-fashioned, uncompromis- 
ing honesty, and, while having little to say 



about trade in general, he was a keen ob- 
server and kept well in touch with the 
market. Some two months prior to his 
death, January 11, 1900, he was taken ill 
with dropsy. He appeared to be getting 
better when stricken with paralysis of the 
brain from which he never recovered. 
He made his home in South Boston'with 
his two sisters who now survive him. 
Mr. Hale was a popular man in his line 




THK LATK DAVID HALE. 

of business, and after his decease, a 
meeting of the representative rubber con- 
cerns was held in this city and resolutions 
on his death immediately passed. Mr. 
Hale was active in the affairs of South 
IJoston. He was at home with his fellow- 
meml)ers of the Old Hawes School Boys' 
Association and took a deep interest in 
the affairs of the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. He was also a member 
of the Boston Yacht Club. ( )ne of 



114 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the pioneers in the rubber business, Mr. 
Hale lived to see wonderful improve- 
ments take place, in which he himself, 
took no small part. He was loved by 
all and his demise cast a gloom over the 
entire district. 




THE LATE BENJAMIN DEAN. 

THE LATE DAVID CLAPP. 

This well-remembered deceased resi- 
dent of South Boston, was born February 
6, 1806, in the house on Stoughton street, 
Dorchester, built by his father in 1790. 
His father at the age of eighteen, was en- 
gaged with the grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch in throwing up the fortifica- 
tions on Dorchester Heights, in March, 
1776, and was also his father's sub- 
stitute in the Dorchester company which 
took part in the Revolution. Dax'id 
C'lapj) attended school in Dorchester, 
and resided there until al)()ut 1S40, 
when he removed with his famih' to South 



Boston and lived nearly all the rest of his 
life at the corner of F and Gold streets. 
His death occurred May 10, 1893, at the 
ripe old age of eighty-seven. He was 
chosen warden of St. Matthew's church 
in 1846, and annually reelected to that 
office, closely identifying 
himself with that church 
and its affairs, during the 
remainder of his eventful 
life. With others he was 
one of the most instrumen- 
tal in the erection of the 
present handsome edifice 
now occupied; the original 
building on Broadway below 
F street, being abandoned 
for the new one in the fall 
of i860. During the later 
years of his life, Mr. Clapp 
wrote various articles for 
publication in the local 
church paper on the " Farly 
Days of St. Matthew's." 
Although he never sought 
nor held public office, he 
was deeply interested in all 
matters affecting the wel- 
fare of the district. He 
will be remembered as a 
particularly active member 
of St. Matthew's parish, to 
which he devoted many 
years of his life. From 1839, 
he was a member of the 
Massachusetts Charitable 
Mechanics Association and 
from i860 of the New Eng- 
land Historic Genealogical Society, in 
which he took a deep and sympa- 
thetic interest. He was also a member 
of the Old School Boys of Boston. In 
business he was a printer, commencing 
to learn his trade in the office of John 
Cotton in \S22. Later, engaging in 
business for himself he continued unin- 
terruptedly until 1S92, when he retired 
from active business on account of failing 
strength. 

Although his life could not be called a 
jiublic one, he was regarded with the 
deepest respect and love by the many 
who were brought under his influence, 
and w ho labored with him in the church. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



115 



His mind was remarkably well-balanced, 
and his judgment, such as to inspire the 
contidence of all those with whom he was 
connected. His death, even at his ad- 
vanced age, was felt to be a loss to the 
church and to the community. 

FRANCIS E. BLAKE. 

Francis E. Blake is a descendant of 
the eighth generation from William 
Blake, one of the early set- 
tlers of _^ Dorchester, and one 
who in 1637 shared in the 
division of lands at the 
Neck. The second house on 
the peninsula was built and 
occupied about 1681 by 
Deacon James Blake, grand- 
son of the first settler, and 
succeeding generations, un- 
til within a comparatively 
short period, have resided 
upon the old homestead 
lands. At least six genera- 
tions of this family have 
been closely related to the 
interests of the Neck and 
of South Boston, and at one 
time more than one eighth 
of the whole territory was 
held in this family. Mr. 
Blake, a son of Pynson and 
Sarah (Dana) Blake, was 
born in Princeton, Mass., 
but moved to South Boston 
when quite young. He at- 
tended the public schools, 
and with his twin brother, 
now Rev. F r e de r i c k D. 
Blake, graduatedin 1852 from 
the Hawes grammar school. 
He married Elizabeth C. 
Richardson, daughter of 
John D. Richardson, a prominent and 
highly esteemed resident of South Boston. 

Mr. Blake was closely identified with 
the South Baptist church, holding many 
responsible positions, retaining his con- 
nection with the church for forty-six 
years. 

He has made exhaustive researches in 
relation to the grants of land on the 
Neck, has published many historical 



notes in the local papers, and lately has 
issued a pamphlet giving an account of the 
British raid on Dorchester Neck in 1776 
with important and interesting facts re- 
lating to the first settlers. The map in 
this publication showing the location of 
the dwellings in the first part of the last 
century, was prepared by him. In a 
genealogical publication relating to one 
branch of the family, he has given many 
facts about his ancestors who resided here. 




FRANCIS K. BI.AKE. 

lie ]jrcpnrcd and ])ublished in 1899 a 
history of the South Baptist church, 
and during the last twenty-five years has 
contributed many articles to historical 
and genealogical magazines. 

In 1856, being obliged on account of 
ill health to suspend his studies at the 
Boston Latin school, Mr. Blake, as a 
boy entered the emi^loy of (ieorge \A'. 
W'heelw light, a paper manufacturer and 



ii6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



dealer, and until the present has retained 
his connection ^vith that business, being 
now the treasurer of the Geo. W. Wheel- 
wright Paper Company. He is identified 
with many philanthropic and religious 
enterprises, and is prominent in various 
societies connected with the Baptist de- 
nomination. He now resides in the city 
proper. 

GEORGE W. ARMSTRONG. 

The life of George \\'. Armstrong oc- 
cupies a brilliant spot in the history of 




South Boston. He comes from sturdy 
ancestiy that inhabited the lowlands of 
Scotland in the earlier centuries ; a body 
of men who, as a clan, made history and 



showed great power. This worthy de- 
scendant of distinguished ancestors has 
sustained the reputation of his fore- 
fathers, and has fought the battle of life 
in a manner reflecting much sunshine on 
his fellowmen. In 1898. he presented 
the town of Windham, N. H., with the 
Armstrong Memorial building for the 
Xesmith library, in memor\' of his pa- 
ternal ancestors, descendants of Gil- 
nockie. a famous border chieftain of 
Canobie, Scotland, who immigrated to 
this country in the eighteenth century. 
Windham, N. H., was the 
ancestral home of his family 
rom 1722 or before, when 
lis migrating ancestor, Char- 
er Robert Armstrong first 
anded on American soil. 
His parents were David 
\rmstrong, who married Ma- 
lala Lovering. His father 
Decame a resident of Bos- 
on in 1825, and died in 
(851. The subject of this 
;ketch was born in South 
Boston, August 11, 1836. 
He was a scholar of the f am- 
)us Hawes grammar school. 
In 1850. he was thrown 
)n his own resources, and 
;ome of the older residents 
remember him as the penny 
postman. He afterwards be- 
came a newsboy and was 
employed on the old "• South 
Boston Gazette" and the 
" Sunday News." He also 
had charge of filing the 
papers in the Democratic 
reading room on Congress 
Square. This was in 1851. 
The following year he be- 
came a newsboy on the 
Worcester rail r o a d . and 
worked from five in the 
morning until late at night. 
In 1 86 1 he obtained em- 
plo)-ment in the Boston sta- 
tion dining room. He after- 
wards secured a position as brakeman 
on the same railroad. Two months later 
he was made a baggageman, which posi- 
tion he held for one year. In 1870 he 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



17 



bought the newspaper business 
and added to it the dining room 
of the Boston station. In 1865 
he bought King's Express, con- 
fined to the Boston & Worces- 
ter railroad, changing the name 
to Armstrong's Transfer. In 
1872 he organized the Armstrong 
Transfer Company and became 
its president. New England has 
seen its worth. In 1869 he 
bought the news business of the 
Fitchburg Railroad, and in 1877 
extended it over the entire line, 
and afterwards over the Eastern 
and Boston & Albany railroads, 
securing control in time of the two 
entire systems, with a few excep- 
tions on the line of the Boston 
& Maine railroad. 

The news departments of the 
Fitchburg, the restaurant and 
news business of the Boston 
Revere Beach and Lynn, and the 
restaurant business of part of 
the Old Colony, afterwards united 
in broadening his territor}-, which 
now includes hundreds of miles. 
He is a member of several associations, 
including the Bostonian Societ}-, Beacon 
Society- and the Hawes School Boys" 
Association, of which he is a past pres- 
ident. He is a director of the United 
States Trust Company. 

In claiming as one of its sons this 
eminent business man and philanthro- 
pist, South Boston's product of notable 
men has been made more notable. 

Mr. Armstrong has pleasant recollec- 
tions of his boyhood days in South Bos- 
ton. In 1889 he had published a book, 
entitled the '* Hawes School Memorial " 
which he caused to be distributed gratis 
among the members of the Hawes School 
Boys' Association. He has for several 
years resided in Brookline, and also pos- 
sesses a magnificent summer place, at 
Center Harbor, N. H., of about five hun- 
dred acres, known as Gilnockie. He 
was married December 10, 1868, to Miss 
Louise Marston of Bridgewater. N. H., 
who died ; December 12, 1882, he mar- 
ried Miss Flora V.., daughter of Dr. 
Reuben Green of Boston. 




THE LATE ADAM BEXT. 

W. E. L. DILLAWAY. 

One of the best known of South Bos- 
ton boys is William Edward Lovell Dil- 
lawav. who was born here Februar}- 17. 
1 85 2 . He was educated at the grammar 
schools of the district and then at the 
English high school, after leaving which 
he was placed under private tutors and 
graduated from the Dane Law School, 
Harvard University, in 187 1. at the age 
of nineteen, with the degree of LL.B. 
He studied law with Messrs. A. A. Ran- 
ney and Nathan Morse, who, in their day, 
were two of the leading lawyers of the 
Boston bar. He was a favorite student 
with both of these gentlemen who pushed 
him rapidly in the practice of the law ; 
and while a student with them, beginning 
when only about eighteen years of age, 
he began the trial of cases in court alone, 
or associated with these gentlemen as his 
seniors. Mr. Dillaway's early career in 
this regard was unusual and remarkable. 
He argued his first case before the full 
bench of the supreme court while yet a 



IIS 



;V OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



siijdeBi ai ifee early . _ - 

be cv>oM BOi be ac 

roneatv-o-iie yt--^- 

geudy as a s:"- 

ca:«e- ^ -~ - 

tbc . ~ - - . ise 

hac : ' ' . : y . yexi- 

lOice man lise niajoriiy c« aawAers m the 

ETSi ten years c« their practice. Mr. 

Dilbwav immediately took hi^ rank as 



securities 
basis — 
the 
sel 



:ne gas com- 
s remarkable 
teness. Its 
:c»n a paying 
vears he was 
general coun- 
n. Uiife»TTu- 



nate cv»iupac;aiK>us arciscr. not. however. 



<i«e r-:^ Mr. Pill: 



>Ti;-Jci»irr»^Tir_ ofifl 




leresT. He was at the same 
period counsel for Henrv 
M. WTiitnev in the consoli- 



:s were 
. Mr. 



r. E. I_ I>iI_LAWAT. 



■xh,' 



r SOUTH BTj^T^ ^ 119 



can Pnetnnatic ServTce Company, with *LI>- ^ 
a r^wxal rA ten nrillions doHaia. This "^ '-— - 

^-mon is the b'. ' - idnd cine a - 

: world and ha.- ^:dend P- ^ -^ - 

■- - --art- i-- - -: ' '■'^^-- ' 

..ent- As- 
ire HcTii%- " 
ij^-jzz^ W. Armstrong-. Jc; 
r>akcs Ames. Ubert K- P _ 
many of Boston's best kno^^:^ i _^.z.— - 
men- He has manv larg^e and varied 

" ' :h m^TiTf- "him an r 
He is a director -' 

_ Rec^-- -^-- '.' 

- - - of the tr 

r -~ 1. >r_/.iai estate. 1 

brother and Sylvester G. •■»iu5:n,' ui-_ 

have the Tr^-zr^asrement and coritrol of ?- 

estatr _' to more " 

lions :-! was kf: 



-r v-ises to be of gr 'o the 

o :■ r and sick of t- '-O the 

-r 1-7 t^-3'':-'r_m.ent of u uic tmstees 
-ill ';- :illr-l -zcn to devote mTich time 
and abHir.-. >ir. Itillaway is a forc^nl 
and eloquent speaker, one of Boston's 

hundrr- ^ having been selected by 

the r_ :"er the Fourth of July 

orati : I. „- He is the anthor of 

manv papers and addresses and is Ae 
nrst to be thocght of for snch work l^ 
South B«DSton people. He is a ^Kal 
student and lover of art and has a large 
collection of oil paintings, the nnest of 
etchinss- bronzes, saisnma ware and the 



He IS an enthusiastic iover of ^omn a wtc- 
Bostoo, and his speeches on this subject has t^ 
alwavs arouse his hearers to a lofty feel- -- 
ing of pride and admiration for the old 
peninsTila. 

ROBERT PiM)VA5. M.D. 

A well-known member of the medical : 
profesosion of Boston is Dr. R r-rr: ?r> r 




van He was bom m Nc -_ »<*:? i 

and received his early . 1: Ah . ifrc-m 

Fredericton in that province. H= ..^zie -■- '-^ :.t -: 7^:,;:-- ir. oimce 

to Boston and received his decree of real estate interest here. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



JUDGE JOSEPH D. FALLON. 

Hon. Joseph D. Fallon, justice of the 
South Boston municipal court, has made 
a national reputation since ascending the 
bench in the local court. A student of 
the old school of law, he has served the 
commonwealth in an upright, fearless 
manner, winning even the praise of those 
who have come under his judicial re- 
sponsibility. He is a native of Ireland, 




JUDGE JOSEPH D. FALLON. 

born in the village of Doniry, County 
Oalway, December 25, 1837, the son of 
Daniel and Julia (Coen) Fallon. He 
was reared on a farm and attended the 
national and private schools of his neigh- 
borhood. At the age of fourteen, he 
came to this country and shortly after 
his arrival in 1852, entered the college 
of the Holy Cross, Worcester. He 
graduated with distinction in 1858. and 
soon after received his degree of A.]!. 



from Georgetown University, Holy Cross 
then not being a chartered institution. 
After leaving college he taught school 
successively in Woonsocket, R. I., Salem 
and Boston. While in Salem, he com- 
menced the study of law under the late 
Judge Perkins, and in 1865 was admitted 
to the bar. When the South Boston 
court was established in 1875 he was 
appointed by Governor Talbot as first 
special justice ; and upon the death of 
Judge Burbank in 1893, he 
was made justice of the 
court. His career on the 
bench has been one of suc- 
cess, as during his long and 
honorable term scores of 
new laws have had to be 
interpreted. For nearly 
twenty years he was a mem- 
ber of the school commit- 
tee, being first elected in 
1864. During this service 
he was in accord Avith the 
broadest men among his 
associates, supporting all 
measures intended for the 
advancement of Boston 
among the educational cities 
of the world. He sought 
additions to the course of 
training and is in part re- 
sponsible for the addition 
of manual training, sewing 
and kindergarten courses 
for younger children. Judge 
Fallon has for several years 
been one of the examiners 
for the State Civil Service 
Commission. Since 1887, 
he has been vice-president 
of the Union Savings Bank 
and its counsel for some 
years. In politics he is a Democrat. He 
was married, August 9, 1872 to Miss 
Sarah E. Daley. They have four chil- 
dren : Euphemia M., Catherine M., Jo- 
sephine S. and Joseph D. Fallon. Since 
assuming law practice in Boston, Judge 
Fallon has entered upon a lucrative 
]Dractice, and as executor and trustee 
has undertaken the care of numerous 
important interests. For many years 
he has been the legal adviser of clergy- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



men and corporations in various parts of 
the commonwealth. He is one of the 
most devoted of South Boston's public 
men, and time and again his voice has 
been raised in the interest of South Bos- 
ton. He is charitable in the extreme 
and has exercised this function many 
times during his judicial career. He re- 
sides in one of the handsomest of South 
Boston residences. 

HON. JOSIAH S. DEAN. 

Josiah Stevens Dean, associate justice 
of the South Boston Municipal Court, was 
born in Boston, May 1 1 , i860. His father 
was the late Benjamin Dean, 
who represeiited the dis- 
trict of which South Bos- 
ton was a part, in the Forty- 
fifth Congress. Mr. Dean 
was educated in the Bos- 
ton public schools, and at 
the Massachusetts Institute 
of Technology. His legal 
studies were pursued at the 
Harvard Law School, the 
Boston University Law 
School, and in his father's 
office. He was admitted 
to the bar in 1885. Mr. 
Dean has been prominently 
identified with Democratic 
politics. In 1 89 1 and the 
following year he was a 
member of the common 
council from \\'ard 14. 
In 1893, Mr. Dean was 
nominated by the Demo- 
cratic party for register of 
probate and insolvency for 
Suffolk County. He car- 
ried Boston, but was de- 
feated by the votes of Chel- 
sea, Revere and Winthrop. 
This was the first time a 
new candidate had gone 
out of Boston with a 
majority of votes over the 
incumbent of the oftice, and was con- 
sidered a remarkable political victory. 
He was a member of the board of 
aldermen in 1897. In 1893 Mr. Dean 
was honored with the appointment as 
associate justice of the South Boston 



Municipal Court, by Governor William 
E. Russell, which office he continues 
to fill, with credit to himself and to 
the district. He is one of the incor- 
porators of the South Boston Savings 
Bank, is secretary of the Federal Trust 
Company, and a public administrator for 
the County of Suffolk. He is a member 
of the Union Club, the Boston Athletic 
Association, the Boston Bicycle Club, a 
director in the Annisquam Yacht Club, 
and has a summer cottage at Annisquam. 
Judge Dean was married August 2, 1888, 
at Bradford, England, to Miss May Lilian 
Smith, daughter of the late Professor 




HON. JOSIAH S. DEAN. 

Walter Smith, a former director of draw- 
ing in the Boston public schools. They 
have four children : Benjamin, born Sep- 
tember 2, 1890; Kemerton, born August 
29. 1894; Russell, born June 8, 1896; 
Sidney S., born August 4, 1899. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



HENRY J. BOWEN. 

Henrv James Bowen, elder son of 




HENRY J. BOWEN. 

Hosea Ballon and Mary Dana 
Bowen, was born in Charlestown, 
September ii, 1853. Seven or 
more of his maternal ancestors 
came to this country in the 
Mayflower in 1620, among 
whom were Elder Brewster, 
John Alden and Richard War- 
ren. His paternal ancestor came 
from Wales, landing at Rehoboth 
in 1640, and becoming one of 
the settlers of the town of Swan- 
sea, Mass., so named from the 
native place of the emigrants 
in Wales. He is the grandson 
of Henry Bowen, publisher of 
the first Universalist magazine 
ever issued, and the grand- 
nephew of Abel Bowen, the 
well-known engraver, and pub- 
lislier of " Bowen's Picture of 
Boston " in 1829. \Mien he 
was aliout a vear old his par- 
ents rcmo\ed with liim from 
Charlestown to South Boston, 
where he has ever since resided. 
Mr. Bowen graduated and took 
a l^'ranklin medal at the Lincoln 
grammar school at the age of 
twelve, and entered the English 
high school. While there, at 



the head of tlie graduating class at the 
age of fifteen, he received an ofifer of a 
position in a wholesale lumber liouse on 
State street which he accepted. He re- 
mained in the lumber business for ten 
years filling various responsible positions 
and then took charge of the books of a 
wholesale grain and commission house. 
He was admitted to the Boston Chamber 
of Commerce of which he is still a mem- 
ber. Upon the death of his father in 
1882, he succeeded to the latter's real 
estate and insvirance business in South 
Boston and greatly increased it. He is 
a large owner of real estate in that sec- 
tion and has cliarge of many properties 
for clients. He is trustee for a number 
of large estates and is regarded as author- 
ity on all matters pertaining to South 
Boston real estate. He was for three 
years a director in the Boston Real 
Estate Exchange and Auction Board and 
in the Mattapan Deposit & Trust Com- 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



123 



pany, and is now one of the trustees of 
the South Boston Savings Bank. 

Mr. Bowen was married in May, 1880, 
to Miss Sarah E. Dean, daughter of 
Henry A. Dean, and has one son, Robert 
Montgomery Bowen. Mr. Bowen's lei- 
sure time is spent in his library which 
is an extensive one and in horseback 
riding. He is the possessor of a num- 
ber of valuable paintings by modern 
French and Dutch masters, and resides 
on Broadway in one of South Boston's 
finest residences. 

CHARLES S. JUDKINS. 

One of the prominent business men 
and former residents of South Boston is 
Charles S. Judkins, who is one of the 
leading real estate and insurance agents 
of this city. His office is situated at 599 
Broadway; the pressure of business of 
late years forced him to open another 
office at 113 Devonshire street, Boston. 
Mr. Judkins has the care of some of the 
largest estates in this district and else- 
where, and, has conducted to a success- 
ful finish, many of the largest real estate 
transactions in South Boston and its 
vicinity. He was born in Fairfield, 
Maine, in 1850. His first education was 
received in the district school. This was 
supplemented by an attendance at the 
Westbrook Seminary and the Friends' 
School, Vassalboro, Me., concluding with 
a course at Eaton's boarding school for 
boys. Mr. Judkins' tendency for the real 
estate business came to him in early 
years, and he has since maintained him- 
self in that line with marked success. 
He commenced business in South Bos- 
ton in 1872, when he took up his resi- 
dence. He has handled and cut up the 
largest estates in South Boston. His 
thorough knowledge of land and build- 
ing values has placed him in a prominent 
position in the real estate world, and he 
is to-day considered an expert and one 
of the best judges of real estate in 
Boston. He has built a large number 
of houses and has done a great deal 
towards the development of South Bos- 
ton, in whose growth and advancement 
he has always been preeminently in- 



terested. Mr. Judkins was in the confer- 
ences which led up to the confirmation 
of equipping Boston M'ith the elevated raij- 
way system, and was associated with the 
Ames-Shepard elevated railway project 
which will increase Boston's rapid tran- 
sit. Mr. Judkins has been associated 
with the Mattapan Deposit & Trust 
Company since 1890 being one of its 




CHARLKS S. JUDKINS. 

incorporators; and lias been one of its 
directors since that time. He is a mem- 
ber of Rabboni Lodge, F. & A. M., and 
the South Boston Citizens' Association. 
In the latter organization he has always 
been at the service of the district, and 
his particularly able advice has been of 
much assistance on many important com- 
mittees sent out by that body in the in- 
terest of South Boston. 

SAMUEL W. JOHNSON. 

One of the most progressive of South 
Boston's citizens is Samuel W. Johnson, 
the well-known real estate dealer and 
builder. He was born in Onslow, N. S., 
March 8, 1851. His native town was 
settled from sturdy New England stock, 
who went from the New England Bay 
colon\- about 1760. It was at this time 
that two hundred Harvard graduates 
settled in Nova Scotia, before the New 
England refugees, who failed to sym- 



124 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




SAMUEL W. JOHNSON. 

pathize with either England or tlie 
colonists, left New England. The sub- 
ject of this sketch came from English 
parentage on the paternal side, and is a 
descendant of Sir Christopher Wren. 
He was the tenth child of a large family, 
eight of whom are still living, and two of 
whom are clergymen. Mr. Johnson has 
been engaged in business and a continu- 
ous resident of South Boston since 1873. 
It was in 1881 that he commenced his 
noted career in the real estate business, 
during which time 
he has done more 
towards improving 
property in this dis- 
trict than any other 
man. In 1884 he 
branched o u t in 
the direction of 
building h o uses 
for investment and 
improvement, and 
has constructed 
nearly two hun- 
dred houses. He 
has invariably been 
successful in all 
his operations and 
wherever he has 
constructed abuild- 
i n g h e has im- 
proved the appear- 



ance of the neighborhood and increased 
the valuation of the property. He has 
coniined his operations entirely to this 
district and givesregular employment to 
a large number of men. He has won suc- 
cess at every turn, showing remarkable 
judgment and foresight. In a little more 
than a decade of years he has amassed a 
snug competency, to which he is entitled. 
He has used all v.-ith the fullest degree of 
fairness, which has won for him the con- 
fidence of the public and the friendship 
of all with whom he comes in contact. 
Five years ago he bought his present 
sightly residence on Thomas Park, built 
by the late Thomas Manning, which gives 
a commanding view of the harbor and 
adjacent islands. He is a member of 
Gate of Temple Lodge, F. & A. M., 
Eethesda Lodge, I. O. O. F., South Boston 
Citizens' Association and is a trustee of 
St. John's M. E. Church. In politics, 
Mr. Johnson is a Republican and has been 
honored several times. In 1896 he was 
tendered the nomination for representa- 
tive to the legislature and November 19, 
1900, he was elected chairman of the 
Ward 1 5 Republican Committee. He has 
always been held in the highest esteem. 
In 1876, Mr. Johnson was married to 
Miss Jennie L. Hatch, and as a result of 
the union, they are blessed with three 
bright children. 




RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL W. JOHNSON. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



125 



P. B. CORBETT. 

The senior member of the hrm of 
P. B. Corbett iS: Sons, comprising Peter 
B., Nicholas I), and Frederick A. Cor- 
bett, has 
been for 
years one 
of Bos- 
ton's most 
active auc- 
tioneers, 
real estate 
and gen- 
eral i n - 
s II r a n c e 
agents, 
holding al- 
s o com- 
missions 
of justice 
of the 
peace and 
notary 
public. He 
was born 
March 29, 
Kilkenny 



Quebec, residing there until July, 1868, 
when the family removed to Boston, 
where with the exception of fifteen 
months in the west and south, in 187 1 
and 1872, Mr. Corbett has since resided. 




NICHOLAS D. CORBETT. PETER B. CORBETT. 



FREDERICK A. CORBETT. 



1850, in Castletown, County 
Ireland, and is of a family 
hose ancestry dates back to the Norman 
conquest of England. He left Ireland 
with his parents, two brothers and three 
sisters, July 12, 1864, and landed in 




RESIDENCE OF P. B. tOKBETT 



His early education was acquired at a 
private school and the national school 
of Whitechurch, County Kilkenny. He 
later took a business course in a Boston 
Commercial College. He took up the 
trade of his father that of a general 
mason and stone cut- 
ter w- h i c h he fol- 
lowed until 1872. 
working in various 
parts of the countr}', 
including Quebec, 
Boston, Chicago, St. 
Louis, Cincinnati, 
Dayton, Ohio, and in 
northeastern Texas. 
Although this was 
one of the best paid 
of the building 
trades, Mr. Corbett 
not liking either the 
work or the roving 
life it entailed, gave 
up his trade in 1872 
to enter, at less than 
half the pay to which 
lie had been accus- 
tomed, the employ 



126 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



of a Boston p u b 1 is h i n g 
house, where he continued 
until 1886, the last three 
years being in charge of one 
of its most important depart- 
ments at a handsome sal- 
ary. In the latter year he 
determined to enter business 
on his own account and his 
tastes, training and natural 
ability leading him into the 
real estate business, he 
opened an office in South 
Boston, and has since con- 
tinued in this business, be- 
ing at the present time one 
of the best-known real estate 
men in the state, he also 
represents several of the 
largest American and foreign 
insurance companies. 

In 1892 he purchased the 
property at 32 1 to 325 Broad- 
way, and moved his office 
there. Mr. Corbett began 
the year 1901 by associat- 
ing with him in business 
his two sons, Nicholas Des- 
mond, born in South Boston, 
August 7, 1875, and Fred- 
erick Augustine, born in 
South Boston, August 27, 
1880. Mr. Corbett is a member of 
South Boston Council, K. of C, of which 
he was the organizer. Clover Club of 
Boston, Charitable Irish Society, of 
Boston, Irish American Historical So- 
ciety, Mount Washington Lodge A. (). 
U. W., South Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion and the North Dorchester Improve- 
ment Association. He was married Octo- 
ber 22, 1874, to Miss Mary Francis 
Hurley. They have four children, Nicho- 
las Desmond, Frederick Augustine, Mary 
Gertrude, and Ernest Brian. His resi- 
dence is at No. 12 Pleasant street, 
Dorchester. 

THE LATE JOHN H. LOCKE. 

( )\er sixl\-f()ui- \fais' residence in this 
district made John 11. Locke one of the 
best-known citizens of South Boston. 
He was born August i, 1835, in Rye, 
N. H. Me attended the llawes gra'ni- 




THE LATE JOHN H. LOCKE. 

mar school, but when the districts were 
changed he went to the old Mather 
school, where he graduated in 1849, 
securing a Franklin medal. He then 
attended the English high school, where 
he won a Lawrence prize. After two 
years at the high school ill health com- 
pelled him to abandon his studies, and 
he entered the employ of Jewett, Tibbetts 
cS^: Co., then on Milk street. The firm 
was afterward changed to Tibbetts, Bald- 
win & Davis, and the business removed 
to Summer street. It was on the prem- 
ises of this concern that the great Boston 
tire of 1872 started. In May, 1873, he 
entered the Central National Bank, where 
he held the responsible position of head 
book-keeper for twenty-eight years, or up 
to the time of his death. He was a life 
member of Adelphi Lodge, F. cSr A. M., 
of which he was secretary from 1871 to 
i>S73 and from 1875 to 1877. He was 



HISTORY (^F SOUTH BOSTON. 



127 



a member of Bethesda Lodge 
I. O O. F., for forty-one 
years, and a member of its 
board of trustees for twenty- 
eight years. He was for 
tw'enty-five years a member 
of the Grand Lodge, L O. 
O. F. He was honored with 
pubhc ofhce, serving in the 
common counciUn 1871-72, 
and again in 1879. During 
his last year he was chair- 
man of the Finance Com- 
mittee. In 1876 he w^as a 
member of the Boston 
School Board. He was also 
a member of and a former 
vice-president of the South 
Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion. For upward of thirty- 
three years he lived on Sev- 
enth street, where he sud- 
denly died of pneumonia 
December 8, 1900. He was 
united in marriage to Miss 
Fmma Jane Johnson of Bos- 
ton, who, with four children, 
survive him. 

CAPT. ELIJAH J. GOODWIN. 



A venerable citizen of 
South Boston and one who 
has always done his duty as a private 
citizen and a public servant, is ex- 
police captain Elijah J. Goodwin. He 
was born at Vineyard Haven, Mass., 
January 19, 1820. At the age of ten 
years his parents removed to Scituate, 
where he attended school until fourteen 
years of age. He then entered the store 
of Jenkins & Webb where he remained 
for five years. Being possessed of a de- 
sire to go to sea, and having made two 
trips in a fishing schooner, he started for 
Boston and shipped on the Arab, a vessel 
of six hundred tons, then the largest 
vessel sailing out of Boston. The shii^ 
sailed for Mobile to load with cotton for 
Liverpool, with a mixed crew of eight 
nationalities. The crew soon became 
mutinous. On June 17, the ship took 
fire and was burned to the water's edge. 
The crew was saved and returned to 
Mobile on a steam transport. Young 




CAPTAIN ELIJAH J. GOODWIN. 

Goodwin came to South Boston, August 
5, 1839, to learn the trade of a ship 
joiner. March i, 1841, he joined the 
fire department and became a member 
of old Mazeppa Company 17. Later he 
was made clerk, assistant foreman and 
foreman. Although he resigned from 
the department in 1854 on account of 
ill health, in 1857 he again joined the 
department as a member of S. R. Spin- 
ney Company 2. He continued a mem- 
ber of the fire department after the 
introduction of steam fire engines. He 
remained with Engine 2 until he resigned 
in March, 1861, and joined the police 
ilei)artment. lie was tirst detailed to 
Station 5 as a patrolman. April i, 1S63, 
he was promoted to lieutenant and as- 
signed to harbor police. Station 8, but in 
August, 1869, at his own request he was 
transferred to Station 10. where he re- 
mained until made captain. May 12, 1894, 



128 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and assigned to Station 
12. He remained captain 
of the City Point station 
for nineteen years, dur- 
ing which time no one had 
occasion to bring charges 
against him. When retired 
by law he was presented 
with a handsome pkisli chair 
and resolutions signed by 
the superintendent, deputy 
superintendent and captains 
of the police department as 
follows : •' Resolved, that we, 
the superintendent, deputy 
superintendent, chief in- 
spector and captains of the 
police department in the city 
of Boston, tender to Captain 
Goodwin our high apprecia- 
tion of him as a man and as 
a captain of police, and we 
wish for him many years of 
rest and comfort." Since re- 
tirement, according to the 
rules of the police depart- 
ment he has retired to pri- 
vate life. He is a resident 
of K street and has occu- 
pied his present home since 
1 85 I, this being the second 
house he has built on K 
street. He is a member of the Bos- 
ton Police Relief Association and the 
South Boston Citizens' Association. He 
comes from good New England stock 
and cherishes with pride a grandfather's 
clock that has been an heirloom in the 
family for one hundred and fifty years. 
He was married March i, 1849, to Miss 
Emeline Simpson, who died July 30, 1 893. 
He has two children, Mrs. M. L. Pierce 
of South Boston and Frank S. Coodwin, 
now living in Dorcliester. 



HENRY C. BIRD. 

A liighly esteemed resident of South 
Boston is Deacon Henrv C. iSird, who 
has been identified wiih lliis district 
nearly all his life. He dates his ancestry 
back to the early settlers of Dorchester. 
He is a son of the late Matthew Bird. 
\\'hen four years of age his parents re- 




HENRY C. BIRD. 

moved to this district, and young Bird 
attended the Hawes grammar school. 
When twelve years of age he graduated. 
His first experience in mercantile life 
Avas as a boy in Leonard's auction store 
on Tremont row, and he was afterwards 
employed by Joseph Leonard, Bromfield 
street. It was in 1869, that he engaged 
in business for himself as a member of 
the firm afterwards known as Leonard. 
15ird t,\: Co., who then conducted a busi- 
ness on Tremont street, the firm later 
changed to Henry C. Bird iv Co. Five 
years ago the concern was incorporated 
under the name of Lewis J. Bird Os: C'om- 
pany, and is to-day the largest of its kind 
in this city, doing a big auctioneering 
business on Bromfield street. Mr. Bird 
is known over Boston and vicinity for his 
honest, upright dealings. He has won 
scores of friends by his conscientious 
methods. He lias for many years been 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



129 



an influential member of Phil- 
lips Congregational church. 
His brother members of this 
well-known congregation 
prize his services highly and 
for years have selected him 
as one of their deacons ; and 
he is now senior deacon. 
Other than this he has been 
trusted for years as the treas- 
urer of the Phillips Church 
Society, a position he has 
filled with credit to himself 
and to the prosperous parish. 
He is a member of the Hawes 
School Boys' Association, the 
South Boston Citizens' Asso- 
ciation, Knights of Honor, 
and was formerly a member 
of the Ancient and Honor- 
able Artillery Company. In 
all of these bodies he has been 
an active member, always 
looking forward to the social 
and financial condition of 
each. Anything pertaining 
to the welfare, improvement 
and success of South Boston 
has always met with his most 
hearty approval. This is but 
natural as he comes from a 
stock that has always held Boston in the 
highest esteem and who settled in that 
part of Dorchester, which is now known 
as South Boston. His record is without 
a blemish and by the people of this local- 
ity, he is esteemed as one of its leading 
residents. 

GEORGE B. JAMES. 

George B. James was born on Dor- 
chester street, South Boston, July 5, 1837, 
and lived in this section upwards of 
thirty years, then moving to Dorchester. 
His father was Benjamin James and his 
mother, Sarah Ann Kent, was born in 
South Boston. His mother graduated at 
the Hawes school in 1825, taking a city 
medal at the time, w'hile her son, George 
B. James, took a Franklin medal at the 
same Hawes school in 1850, afterwards 
graduating from the English high school 
in 1853. His ancestors were of Pilgrim 




CKORC.E K. JAMES. 

origin, he being the seventh generation 
from Peregrine White, the first white child 
born in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts. 

He entered the lumber business as a 
clerk at the age of sixteen and has con- 
tinued in the selling and manufacture of 
lumber and mainly in the ownership of 
forests, continuously, since 1853. He 
gave up the manufacture of lumber, devot- 
ing himself to the development and 
ownership of forests in New England, 
Canada and New Brunswick, devoting 
special attention to New Hampshire 
forests since 1875, ^^''^^ '•'' '^^ ^'^^ i:)resent 
time the largest owner of spruce forests 
in the White Mountain section of New 
Hampshire, being a practical expert in 
forestry matters. 

In 1875 and during sul)sequent years, 
he became the publisher and editor of 
" The American C^iltivator." the oldest 
agricultural paper in America. "The 
American Horse Breeder," the most 



I30 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



prominent trotting horse paper in Amer- 
ica. " The Massachusetts Ploughman," 
the third oldest agricultural paper in 
America. 

He also originated and founded " The 
Boston Budget," now conducted by his 
son, William Grant James, " The Manu- 
facturers' Gazette " and " The Household 
Companion." 

While conducting these several jour- 



fB 0*^ ^*^) 


^' '^' 


M^^ -;^:>/ 


^ ^^ m^^' 


r ^- -^K^Hr 


f- jmm 


^ 



ROBERT F. MEANS. 

nals he has never ceased to devote the 
most of his time to forestry matters, 
especially to the forest-lands of New 
Hampshire; and is a recognized author- 
ity on all such matters. 

He is a member of the Boston Cham- 
ber of Commerce ; of the Boston Art 
Club; American Forestry Association, 
Washington; Appalachian Mountain Club 
of Boston ; Boston Real Estate Exchange; 
Old Bostonian Society; Old Hawes 



School Boys' Association. He was the 
fifth president of the Hawes Associa- 
tion and has maintained a lively interest 
in the organization and in its successes. 
He is a director and member of the 
executive committee of the East Boston 
Company of this city; chairman of the 
trustees of the Boylston Street Fand 
Company, Back Bay Fens, Boston ; chair- 
man of Board of Trustees of the WoUas- 
ton Fand Company, of 
Quincy ; trustee of the Ten 
Associates Fand Company of 
Norfolk Downs, Quincy; Di- 
rector of the Everhart Coal 
Company, Wilkes Barre, Pa ; 
Also member of various other 
minor societies and corpora- 
tions. 

\\\ 1863 he married ]\Fss 
Adelaide Grant Washburn of 
Gardiner, Maine, and four 
children are the result of the 
union, — George B.. Jr., \<\\- 
liam Cxrant, Robert Kent and 
Adelaide Washburn. 

ROBERT F. MEANS. 

The subject of this sketch 
was born in the old Fort Hill 
district, August 22, 1838. At 
the age of five years he came 
to South Boston and attended 
the old Hawes grammar 
school and is to-day one of 
the most active members of 
that association. He is a 
thirty-second degree Mason 
and a member of St. Paul's 
Fodge and DeMolay Com- 
mandery, Knights Templar. 
He is also affiliated with the 
South Boston Citizens' Association, of 
which organization he was president for 
several years ; the Massachusetts Charit- 
able Mechanics Association, the Ameri- 
can Chemical Society and other bodies. 
\\\ politics Mr. Means is a Republican. 
He has served on the local Republican 
committees, and was vice-president of 
the Republican City committee for three 
years and a member of the Massachusetts 
State committee for two years. He also 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



13] 



served Ward 14 for two years in the legis- 
lature, during which time he took a promi- 
nent part in its deliberations and has the 
honor of being the first representative to 
introduce a measure requiring electric 
wires to be placed underground. He 
was a member of the Mattapan Literary 
Association and one of a committee which 
succeeded in havingabranchof the public 
library established in South Boston. As 
president of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association he con- 
tributed largely to the move- 
ment for a high school in 
South Boston. As the friend 
and associate of the late Al- 
bert F. Lauten, Mr. Means 
was a valuable assistant in 
securing Marine Park for this 
section. As an old and ex- 
perienced chemist and in- 
spector, his ability and 
acquirement have gained for 
him the confidence of the 
most prominent oil men in 
the country. He has given 
much time to the study of 
petroleum oils and the re- 
sults of his labor in that 
direction are highly com- 
mended by physicians. 

The Means brothers are 
descended, on the father's 
side from Robert Means, a 
leader of the Scotch-Irish 
immigrants of 17 18, who in- 
troduced the linen spinning 
wheel and potato. (>ji their 
mother's side, they are de- 
scendants of Jeremy Hou- 
chin, deputy to the General 
Court; also one of the 
earliest selectmen of Boston, 
and of Rev. James Allen, pastor of the 
First Church, who " owned a far larger 
part of the territory of Boston than was 
ever owned by any individual, unless per- 
haps we except one William Blackstone." 
They were also descended from Francis 
Wells, Fsq., an old-time merchant and 
distiller, who came to Boston in 1723 in 
his own ship, " Ye Hampstead Calley," 
from London, and resided on Bowdoin 
square and Green street, in early days 



called " Wells Corner." Francis Wells' 
daughter, Elizabeth, was the wife of 
Samuel Adams, the patriot, and it is 
probable the long-lost burial place of 
Samuel Adams may be found to be in the 
Allen-Wells tomb of the Granary burial 
ground. Their great-grandfather. Cap- 
tain Edward Rumney, previous to the 
evacuation of Boston by the British, 
helped fortify Dorchester Heights, pre- 




JOHN H. MEANS. 

paring heavy barrels of rocks, etc., to roll 
down upon the British in case of attack. 
Their mother was Sophia Rumney Wells. 
Their great-grandmother was a sister of 
Governor William Eustis and the great- 
granddaughter of Nathaniel Hancock, 
who, Page's "History of Cambridge" says, 
was grandfather of John Hancock, the 
signer of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. Whether Hancock was a relative 
or not both Adams and Hancock were 



132 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



staunch friends of the Wells family, one 
of whom, Elton Wells, in Savannah, Ga., 
originated with a cargo of sugar what 
Adams in Boston originated with a cargo 
of tea. The " Sugar Party " in Georgia 
was as similar to the " Tea Party " of 
Boston as the resolutions endorsing the 
action of the Continental Congress by the 
Georgia county deputies, of whom Elton 
Wells was one, were to the resolutions of 
Samuel Adams in the Massachusetts 
Legislature of 1765 and 1769, defining 
the common right of Englishmen. 



reelected for 1901. He was active in 
the formation of the South Boston Re- 
publican Club, the securing of its beauti- 
ful club house, and is at present the 
chairman of its executive committee. 
He is also an active member of the Old 
Hawes School Boys' Association. Mr. 
Means' picture may be seen in the public 
library of this district as one of the six 
survivors of the Mattapan Literary Asso- 
ciation, which organization gave several 
thousand books to the city to found the 
branch librarv here. 



JOHN H. MEANS. 

This well-known citizen was born in 
South Boston in 1844 and received his 
education in the Old Hawes grammar 
school. He is the senior member of the 
firm of Means & Thacher, paint manu- 
facturers, 6 and 8 Custom House street, 
Boston. He is thirty-second degree 
Mason and has been a member of the 
following Masonic bodies for more than 
thirty years: — St. Paul's Lodge, St. 
Mathews Royal Arch Chapter of South 
Boston; DeMolay Commandery, Knights 
Templars, and the Massachusetts Con- 
sistory. He has for several years been a 
member of the South Boston Citizens' 
Association and now serves as president 
for 1 90 1. No little of its present large 
membership and influence in local matters 
have been due to his personal exertions. 
As representative of this association dur- 
ing the six days' yachting carnival in 
South Boston in July, 1900, by his sugges- 
tion and efforts, he obtained, with the 
assistance of the local congressman, the 
loan of a large searchlight from the United 
States government which was operated 
from the South Boston Yacht Club to show 
to advantage the large fleet of yachts and 
decorations at Citv' Point. Mr. Means 
has always been active in the Republican 
party, is a man of rare political ability 
and has successfully managed several 
local campaigns against great odds. He 
did successful work in the interest of 
Hon. John L. Bates in his campaign for 
lieutenant-governor in 1899, represented 
South Boston in the Republican State 
committee of 1900 and was unanimously 



JAMES H. STARK. 

This former resident was born in Eng- 
land, July 6, 1847, his father bringing 
him to this district in 1856. He attended 
the Hawes, Lincoln and Latin schools. 
Learning the electrotypers' trade, at 
twenty-three years of age he engaged 
in business for himself but was burned 
out in the Boston fire of 1872. The 
next two years and a half he devoted 
to yachting, being an enthusiast. In 
1874 with William H. Mumler he started 
the second photo-engraving concern in 
the United States known as the Photo 




AMKS H. STARK. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



133 



Electrotype Company disposing of his 
interest in 1898. He has since devoted 
his attention to real estate investments. 
In 1868 Mr. Stark was one of the or- 
ganizers of the South Boston Yacht Club, 
and, in 1877, while commodore of the 
club, he incorporated the same. Three 
years later he removed to Savin Hill, 
Dorchester, where he has resided since. 
Here he organized and incorporated the 
Savin Hill Yacht Club of which he was 
commodore for several years. He joined 
St. Paul's Lodge of Masons in 1868 and 
incorporated and organized the Dor- 
chester Historical Society in 1891; was. 
president of the British American Asso- 
ciation, and vice-president of the British 
Charitable Society and Victorian Club. 
He is well-known as a historical writer. 
Some of his best-known works are " The 
Antique Views of Boston " " British and 
Dutch in South Africa" "History and 
Guide to Bermuda, Jamaica, Trinidad, 
Bahamas, British Guiana, Barbados and 
Caribee Islands." During the past fifteen 
years he has spent a portion of each 
winter in the West Indies and South 
America, He was married at St. Mathews 
church, December 23, 1876 to Katherine 
J. Manton of Kingston. Canada. 

CHARLES VAN STONE. 

One of the best known of South 
Boston's citizens is Charles Van Stone, 
superintendent of the Walworth Manu- 
facturing Company's extensive works at 
City Point. He was born in Devonshire, 
England, in 1862 and came to Connecti- 
cut two years later. He is the son of 
John Francis Van Stone. His early edu- 
cation was secured in the Bridgeport 
grammar schools and soon after leaving 
school he entered the employ of Eaton, 
Cole & Co., iron founders at Bridgeport. 
He then came to South Boston and 
entered the large Walworth plant at City 
Point taking entire charge of the works 
in 1893. Mr. \'an Stone is a practical 
mechanic and is always alive to the 
interests of his employers. His work- 
manship calls for a display of his natural 
talents and he has a high regard for tlie 
hundreds of employees who come under 



his supervision. Mr. Van Stone is a 
Republican in politics and is held in 
high esteem by the members of his party. 
He attends St. John's M. E. church. In 
social and fraternal circles, Mr. Van 
Stone holds a high position. He is a 
member of St. Paul's Lodge F. & A. 




CHARI.es VAX STONE. 

M. ; the ( )dd Fellows of Bridgeport, 
Conn., Lincoln Lodge 63, Royal Arca- 
num and the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. He was married in 1883 
to Miss Emma Paul of Bridgeport and 
they have one child, Edward, as a result 
of the union. 

HOLLIS R. GRAY. 

One of South Boston's former promi- 
nent citizens is Hollis Randall Gray. 
He was born in the Town of Westbrook, 
Maine, December 6, 1836. His father, 
Samuel Gray, was an old resident of 
South lioston who had moved to Maine 
a few years previous but soon after the 
birth of the subject of this sketch 
returned to South Boston and resumed 
liis business of brick making, in the loca- 
tion back of the old fort at the foot of 
what is now Old Harbor street. As a 
boy, the young Gray attended the South 
Boston schools, on leaving which he 
entered the employ of W. V. B. Brooks, 



134 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



furniture dealer in Boston. Inheriting 
an inclination for public life he entered 
the political arena in early years as a 
staunch Republican, with Josiah Dun- 
ham and Albert J. Wright, then leaders 
in South Boston, of Ward 12. At 
the age of twenty-one, he was elected 
clerk of the ward in which capacity he 
served during the years 1858-59 and 60. 
In the last 3'ear he was elected a member 




MOLLIS R. CRAY. 

of the common council, having as asso- 
ciates Sumner Crosby, Henry Souther 
and (jcorge \\. Sprague. He could have 
been reelected but declined the honor. 
He then accepted an appointment in the 
custom house which he resigned in 1867 
to establish himself in the furniture and 
carpet business, which he has ever since 
carried on with success, at, 38 and 40 
Washington street. Mr. Orayw-as again 
elected to the connuon council in 1868, 



1869 and 1870. He was chosen a member 
of the Boston water board in 1870 and 
rendered valuable service in that capacity. 
In 1880 he became a resident of Mai- 
den and at once interested himself with 
the workings of the town. When Maiden 
became a city he was elected to the com- 
mon council there in 1885, and to the 
board of aldermen in 1 886-1 887 and 
1888. While an alderman he was a mem- 
ber of the commission on the 
increased supply of water for 
that city. Although a staunch 
Republican he has always 
worked hard for the best in- 
terest of the public without 
regard to party, thereby earn- 
ing a reputation for courage, 
fidelity and independence. 
In business circles Mr. Gray 
has always been held in the 
highest esteem. His reputa- 
tion is not alone confined to 
the city but has spread to the 
neighboring cities and 
towns. Socially he is a promi- 
nent figure. He is a promi- 
nent Mason, being a past 
master of St. Paul's Lodge, 
F. & A. M., where he received 
his degrees in 1859; Royal 
Arch Chapter of the Taber- 
nacle and Beausant Com- 
mandery. Knights Templar 
of Maiden. Mr. Gray still 
maintains a deep interest in 
South Boston and its people 
and is the possessor of con- 
siderable property in this dis- 
trict. He married Miss Mary 
Stebbins, daughter of the late 
Dr. John B. Stebbins, in 1859. 
They have three children, all 
of whom are married, namely Effie Steb- 
bins, now Mrs. George B. LawTence ; 
Mary Ellis, now Mrs. Frederick Davis ; 
and Lillian Richards now Mrs. William 
H. Foss. Mr. Gray is now attorney for the 
large Stebbins estate of South Boston. 

CHARLES 0. L. DILLAWAY. 

A striking example of South Boston 
brain and intelligence is Charles O. L. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



135 



Dillaway. president of the Mechanics 
National Bank, one of the sterhng insti- 
tutions of Boston. Mr Dillaway. like his 
brother \V. E. L. Dillaway, is a South 
Boston boy. Born and bred in this dis- 
trict, he accumulated the ideas in the 
local public schools which have served 
him in his later days. He is a graduate 
of that famous school of learning, the 
Old Hawes grammar school from whence 
many of Boston's brainiest 
business men of to-day 
learned their first lessons. 
Mr. Dillaway graduated from 
the Hawes school at the age 
of twelve years, afterwards 
he graduated from the Eng- 
lish High School, winning 
the Franklin medal. Being 
naturally of an ambitious 
mind he stepped in the direc- 
tion of the banking busi- 
ness. Like many other bright 
young men who have made 
their mark in this world he 
started at the bottom of the 
banking ladder. AMien quite 
a young man he was made a 
clerk, but this was only a 
start. Step by step he ad- 
vanced in the business, filling 
every responsible position, 
until finally he became presi- 
dent of the Mechanics 
National Bank, located at 
the corner of \\'ashington 
and Franklin streets. Keen 
business methods and lively 
commercial competition has 
given this bank one of the 
best reputations in this city. 
For seventy years it has 
weathered the financial 
storms and through the active business 
policy of its heads has never been cast 
upon the shoals of failure in the times of 
adversity. Since assuming control of the 
presidency of this bank Mr. Dillaway has 
made much progress in the aft'airs of the 
bank. The accounts have increased daily, 
some of the best-known houses in Bos- 
ton being included among its depositors. 
Much of its success can be attrilnited to 
the practical methods of its president. 



Mr. Dillaway, is an enthusiast when 
South Boston is mentioned. Being the 
place of his birth and early education 
anything proposed for the advancement 
of South Boston or its people meets with 
his heart\' approval. He is deeply inter- 
ested in the working of the Old Hawes 
School Boys' Association and some of 
his pleasantest moments are spent in the 
company of his old school boy chums re- 




CHARI.KS O. I.. DII.I.AWAV. 

lating incidents of when they trudged up 
and down the back stairs or played a 
practical joke upon the master. 

JOSEPH J. WALL. 

A man of sterling integrity long iden- 
tified with the interests of South Boston, 
both as a business man and resident is 
the above. Fortunate in the business 
world, he has also taken a successful 



136 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



part in public affairs. Until April, 1900, 
Mr. Wall was engaged in the retail 
grocery business and enjoyed a large 
trade, probably the largest in the district. 
It was at that time that Mr. Wall sold 
out his store at the corner of M and 
Sixth streets and bought a half interest 
in the large wholesale butter and egg 
business of Benj. H. Goldsmith & Co., 
a concern well known for its extensive 




operations and reliability and located at 
57 Chatham street, Boston. Mr. Wall 
was born in Dover, Mass, started in 
business in South Boston in 1885 and 
has been a resident of South Boston 
since that time, lie is a Republican in 
politics and for the past five years has 
been warden of the Republican caucuses 
held in Ward 14 and has also been 
honored witli the nomination for alder- 
man. Mr. Wall has always been in- 



terested in the welfare of South Boston 
and has done much to improve it in 
certain sections. Since coming to South 
Boston he has become quite heavily 
interested in real estate and considerable 
property has been greatly improved 
under his direction. He has recently 
become secretary of the Armstrong 
Manufacturing Company, dealers in drug- 
gists' specialties. Mr. Wall is probably 
as v/ell known in fraternal 
circles as any individual in 
South Boston. He has al- 
ways occupied a prominent 
place in local fraternities, most 
of which have honored him 
in a signal manner. He is 
a past grand of Bethesda 
Lodge; past chief patriarch 
of Mt. Washington Encamp- 
ment; and a member of Ber- 
nice Rebekah Lodge, L O. 
C ). F. ; past noble commander 
of Mt. Washington Comman- 
dery, United Order Golden 
Cross ; and a member of St. 
Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M.; 
St. Mathew's Royal Arch 
Chapter ; St. Omer Comman- 
dery. Knights Templar; Royal 
Society of Good Fellows ; 
^ United Order Golden Star, 

\ and several other organiza- 

1 tions. He was a popular 

member of the Boston Retail 
Grocers' Association and 
president and one of the 
founders of the Hatch Wall 
Flashing Company. M r. 
Wall has always been inter- 
ested in the welfare of South 
Boston and this fact is amply 
demonstrated when is noted 
organizations with which he is 



the local 
affiliated. 



UBERT K. PETTINGILL. 

This former resident, who has made a 
notable success of life, is a lineal descend- 
ant of Noah Brooks the noted ship builder 
of former days, and a son of Ubert L. 
I'ettingil! for many years a leading resi- 
dent of South iioston. His mother was 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



137 



Rachel Kent who was also of an old 
South Boston family. He was born at 
Augusta, Me., June 2, 1848 and, coming 
to this district in 1852, not only spent 
his boyhood days here but continued his 
residence in South Boston until 1878. 
He attended the old Hawes grammar 
school and later the Lincoln school. His 
father was the founder of the firm of 
Pettingill & Co., general newspaper ad- 
vertising agents now the 
largest concern in this line 
in the country ; and the sub- 
ject of this sketch entered 
his father's office immedi- 
ately after leaving school in 
1865. Beginning at the bot- 
tom round of the ladder, 
upon his father's decease 
in 1883 he succeeded to 
the management of the bus- 
iness, and under his care- 
ful guidance it has be- 
come known and recognized 
throughout the newspaper 
world. The concern of 
which he has ever since 
been the head, has large 
offices both in Boston and 
New York, and some years 
ago absorbed the S. R. 
Niles advertising agency, 
making it the largest in the 
United States. The agency 
is also the oldest in the 
country and has dealings 
with every important news- 
paper and magazine pub- 
lished. The agency has 
among its clients many of 
the large advertisers of this 
part of the country, and enor- 
mous sums are placed in their 
hands for advantageous results yearly. 
The enormity of the business of Pettingill 
& Co. of the present day is due to the able 
leadership of its head. Mr. Pettingill is 
also interested in other important enter- 
prises and institutions. He is a stock- 
holder and one of the directors of the 
Mechanics National bank ; a director of 
the American Pnuematic Tube Service 
Company and one of the proprietors of 
Dr. Creene's Nervura one of the best 



known patent medicines of merit of this 
age. He has also taken an active part 
in public affairs and was appointed by 
Mayor Quincy a member of the Board of 
Pauper Institutions, to succeed Prof. 
William T. Sedgewick. He is also one 
of the Commissioners of the Sinking 
Fund of the City of Boston. His affilia- 
tion with South Boston at this writing, 
although he has pleasant and tender 




UKKKT K. PETTINCULL. 

recollections of the district, comprise his 
membership with St. Omer Commandery 
and presidency of the old Hawes School 
Boys' Association, his term in tiic latter 
terminating in April. 1901. 

B. F, TOMBS. 

A retired merchant of South Boston, 
and one who has been an active resi- 
dent, is b. !'. Tombs. He was born in 



138 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Salem and came to South Boston from 
Hopkinton at the age of fourteen years. 
He is the son of the late Jonathan H. 
Tombs, who was an active member of the 
D Street Methodist church and for many 
years a resident of this district. Mr. 
B. F. Tombs attended the Hawes school. 
under Masters Crafts, Harris and Morrill. 
His father was a well-known grocer, 
and, after leaving school, the young man 
entered his employ as a clerk, in his 
store in the old Adams block, corner A 
street and Broadway. Six months before 
the decease of his father, in 1853, he 
engaged in business for himself at the 
corner of A and Fourth. George X. 



to Miss Lucy A. Goldthwaite of Lynn. 
No children were born to him. Mr. 
Tombs, since the decease of Joseph H.. 
in 1870; has cared for his brother's 
children, two of whom are now married. 
I\Ir. Tombs is a charter member of the 
^^■omen■s Suffrage League. 

GEORGE N. PARKER. 

One of the best known citizens of 
South Boston is George N. Parker, the 
faitliful probation officer of the South 
Boston ^Municipal court. He was born 
in the town of Jay, Maine, October 4, 
1 83 1, where he lived during his minority. 




B. F. TOMBS. 

Parker was engaged six months later as 
a clerk and ten years later was admitted 
as a partner, thus continuing until the 
firm retired from business eighteen years 
ago. Li addition to the grocery busi- 
ness Mr. Tombs found time to engage 
as a silent partner of the real estate firm 
of Tombs & Flynn, which firm built 
about one hundred and fifty houses in 
South Boston. .After his retirement from 
the grocery- business he travelled largely 
through the United States. He is a 
constant attendant of the St. John's 
M. E. church. He was twice married : in 
1862 to Miss Mary Bradstreet of Beverly, 
who died three years later, and in 1879 



GEORCJE N. PARKER. 

He left home at the age of twenty-one 
years and in 1852 came to South Boston, 
where he has resided ever since. He 
first engaged to work one year in a 
provision store, after which service he 
was employed by Benjamin F. Tombs, 
in the grocery store 112 and 114 Fourth 
street. Later he was a partner in the 
firm, being associated with Mr. Tombs 
in all for a period of twenty-eight years. 
The firm then disposed of its business 
and Mr. Parker intended to retire. His 
ambitions ruled otherwise and, shortly 
after relinquishing his interest in the 
grocery business, he received the appoint- 
ment of probation officer in the^ South 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



139 



Boston court and has held that position 
for nearh- twent}- years. The result of 
his work needs no elaborate eulog}-. 
During his term he has encouraged 
thousands of men and women to lead 
better lives and his mission of chariu- 
has not been fruitless. There are many 
indeed who. acting upon the advice of 
Mr. Parker, are leading sober lives in the 
bosom of their families. He has been a 
most active worker with a humane regard 
for his fellow-man and has taken a deep 
moral interest in the welfare of South 
Boston. In 1858 he was married to Miss 
Mar\' Araminta Grant of Hermon. Maine, 
who still lives to bless and make his home 
happy. Mr. Parker is an interested mem- 
ber of the official board of St. John's M. 
E. church and its steward for thirt}- years. 
He is a member of Bethesda Lodge. No. 
30. I. O. O. F. 

W. L. MILLER. 

The above is well known evervAvhere 
as a practical bridge builder and general 
contractor who has. upon more than one 
occasion, been confronted with problems 
that call for the keenest kind of solving. 
He is a self-made man and during the 
fifteen years he has been in business, has 
acquired a reputation in his line of work. 
During his career in business he has con- 



structed the Federal street. L street and 
Castle Island bridges and the granite 
sea-v.all on Dorchester avenue extension. 
He has also done important work in 
dredging and filling Marine Park. Mr. 
Miller has also done important work in 
Xova Scotia. He has at times emploved 
as many as four hundred men. Sir. 
Miller is a product of South Boston and 
the son of the late W'iUiam A. Miller, 
to whose business the younger Miller suc- 
ceeded He was educated in the Bige- 
low and English high schools and then 
went into the employ of George H. 
Cavanaugh. He lived in this district 
until 1899 having up to that time been a 
resident of South Boston from his birth. 
He • is a trustee of the Massachusetts 
Charitable Mechanic Association, a thirt}-- 
second degree Mason and a member of 
the Mystic Shrine : Boston Societ}- of 
Civil Engineers: Boston Trade Club: 
Old Dorchester Club and the Ancient 
and Honorable Aniller)- Company. 

SAMUEL H. WISE. 

One of South Boston's well-known citi- 
zens is Samuel H. Wise. He was born 
in the South End. in 1S46. and attended 
the Brimmer and English high schools. 
He removed to South Boston in 1870 
and lives at 771 Broadwav. He is a de- 




W. L. MILLER. 



AMIEL H. WISE. 



I40 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



scendant on the paternal side of Rev. 
John Wise of Chebacco Point, Ipswich, 
whose pubUcation of " The Churches 
Quarrel Espoused" in 1710 was said 
to be the forerunner of the Declara- 
tion of Independence. On the mater- 
nal side he comes from Admiral Samuel 
Hood. He is a member of Zetland 
Lodge, F. A. M. ; also St. Andrew's 
Royal Arch Chapter; DeMolay Com- 
mandery, Knights Templar ; Aleppo 
Temple, Mystic Shrine ; Siloam Lodgf^. 

1. O. O. F. ; Veteran Association of Odd 
Fellows ; Old Dorchester Club ; Mati.i- 
panock Lodge, Knights of Honor; Uni- 
versalist Club of Boston ; Brimmer School 
Association; English High School Asso- 
ciation; South Boston Citizens' Associa- 
tion ; associate member of Dahlgren Post 

2, G. A. R., and a member of the corpora- 
tion of the South Boston Savings Bank. 
He represented Ward 14 in the common 
council of 1889-90 and the school com- 
mittee in 1893-94 and 1895-96. While in 
the council he was instrumental in carr\- 
ing out the project for the extension of L 
street and while on the school committee 
was an active worker for increasing the 
salaries of school teachers, and the South 
Boston schools will be perpetually bene- 
fited by the work which he was able to 
accomplish in diverting a share of the 
Gibson school fund also the Bowdoin 
school fund for their use. He is well 
known in the insurance field, having 
entered the employ of the Manufacturers' 
Insurance Company in 1862. In 1884 he 
retired as secretary, and established what 
is now a lucrative business at 38 Kilby 
street, Boston. 

HON. PATRICK A. COLLINS. 

One of America's best known men, and 
one who lived among the people of 
South Boston for years, is Hon. P. A. 
Collins, who first gained national renown 
representing South Boston in Congress. 
He is the son of Bartholomew and 
Mary (Leahy) Collins and was born 
near Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland, 
March 12, 1844. In 1848 his father 
died and he was brought by his mother 
to Chelsea, where he recei\ed his 



early education. In 1857, mother and 
son removed to northern Ohio where he 
worked on a farm, in a coal mine and 
in a machine shop at different times. 
In the fall of 1859 he returned to 
Boston and learned the upholstering 
business with F. M. Holmes & Co., 
and acted as foreman for that concern. 
He was later with E. H. Brabrook until 




HON. PATRICK A. COLLINS. 

October, 1867, when he entered the law 
office of James H. Keith. He soon after 
entered Harvard, graduating in 1871. 
April 15 of the same year he was ad- 
mitted to the Suffolk Bar; he was admitted 
to the United States Circuit Court in 1873 
and the United States Supreme Court in 
1878. In 1893 he formed a co-partner- 
ship with Judge John W. Corcoran. In 
politics he is a Democrat. He served 
in the lower house in 1868-69 ^•'"^^ i" 
the senate in 1870-71, from South 
Boston ; and was a representative from 
Massachusetts in the Forty-eighth, Forty- 
ninth and Fiftieth Congresses from the 
district largely made up of South Boston. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



141 



In May, 1893 he was appointed consul- 
general to London by President Cleve- 
land and he served until May, 1897. 
He was chairman of the Democratic 
cit}- committee of Boston in 1874-75 
and of the Massachusetts state com- 
mittee from 1884 to 1890 and presided 
over several state conventions. He was 
also delegate-at-large from Massachusetts 
to the Democratic National conventions of 
1876. 1888. 1892 and as permanent chair- 
man, presided over the convention of 
1888. For four years he was judge ad- 
vocate of the First Brigade, M. V. M.. 
and in 1875 he was judge advocate on 
the staff of Governor Gaston. He is one 
of the original members of the Boston 
Bar Association and a member of the 
National Bar Association. In 1899 he 
was honored by the Democracy of Boston 
with the nomination for mayor. He has 
been a director of the International Trust 
Company since its establishment in 1880. 
and is a member of the corporation of the 
Union Institution for Savings. He is also 
chairman of the American Board of Trus- 
tees for the National Assurance Company 
of Ireland. He is a member and a former 
president of the Charitable Irish Society 
of Boston, the oldest civic organization in 
continuous existence in this country. He 
is also a member and one of the founders 
of the Catholic Union of Boston, and a 
member of several Boston clubs and of 
the Manhattan and Democratic clubs of 
New York. July i, 1873. Mr. Collins was 
married to Miss Mar}- E. Carey of 
Boston; theyhave three children: Agnes 
R., Marie R. and Paul. Mr. CoUins's 
career has been a brilliant one and most 
of his great honors were on while he 
resided in this district. In official life as 
well as in the practice of his profession 
he has achieved much prominence and 
distinction. 

WILLIAM J. MILLER. 

This rising young attorney and mem- 
ber of the Suffolk Bar. was born at the 
North End. Boston in 1868. He ob- 
tained his early education at the Elliot 
grammar school and subsequently entered 
Boston College. He commenced busi- 



ness life as a journalist, becoming one of 
the staff of the Boston Herald. Deciding 
to enter the legal profession he attended 
the Boston University- Law school from 
which he graduated in 1892. He was 
admitted to the bar and immediately 
commenced practice, in which he has con- 
tinued with more than the success of the 
average young lawyer. For the past 




WII.I.IAM J. MILI.KR. 

eight years he has been associated with 
Hon. Henr\- F. Naphen with whom he 
has maintained large offices at 42 Court 
street. Boston. Mr. Miller is not only 
well-known as an able lawyer but pos- 
sesses a wide experience in public life. 
He was elected to the Boston common 
council from Ward 5, and served with 
credit during the years 1894, 1895, 1896, 
1897. In 1898 he was chosen to repre- 
sent the same Charlestown ward in the 
state legislature and was reelected the 
year following. Both in the city govern- 
ment and the legislature he took an active 
part in all proceedings, serving on many 
important committees. During the past 
year Mr. Miller has taken up his per- 



142 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



manent residence in South Boston wliere 
he has a wide acquaintance and has 
ah-eady proven himself to be an adopted 
citizen, interested in the locahty where he 
resides. 

STEPHEN M. MARSHALL. 

One of the younger acti\-e members of 
the Rcpubhcan party, and who nowserves 




STEPHEN M. MARSHALL. 

theCit\^of Boston as supervisor of bridges, 
is Stephen Mack Marshall. He has for 
several years resided in South Boston 
and is a native of Liverpool. N. S., where 
he was born January i, 1866. He is the 
.son of James S. and Augusta (Mack) 
Marshall. His father was a lawyer, judge 
of probate and American consular agent, 
on the paternal side were many clergy- 
men of the Episcopal church. His great- 
grandfather was an intimate friend of 



John Benjamin \\'esley, with whose 
preaching he was so much impressed 
that he, a clerg\'man of the established 
church, embraced the doctrines taught 
by the founder of the Methodist denomi- 
nation. His son. also a clergyman of the 
\Vesle\'an faith, came to this country to 
preach and was hrst located at the Ber- 
muda Islands. Hismaternalgrandfather 
was a lumber man and an extensive mill 
owner. The subject of this 
sketch was educated in the 
public schools of his native 
town and Arcadia College, 
Wolfville, N. S. In 188 1 ""he 
came to Boston where he has 
since lived. He learned a 
mechanic's trade and early 
took an active interest in poli- 
tics. In 1894 he received the 
Republican nomination for 
the state legislature in Ward 
14. This strongly Demo- 
cratic ward pro\-ed no excep- 
tion and he was defeated at 
the subsequent election, al- 
though he made a gallant 
tight. In 1896 he w a s 
elected to serve as alternate 
delegate to the Republican 
National convention at St. 
Louis. In 1896, 1897, 1898 
he represented Ward 14 on 
the committee to nominate 
the Republican candidates for 
school committee ; in 1898 he 
was secretary of the Tenth 
Congressional District Re- 
publican Committee; in 1899 
he was elected a member of 
the executive committee of 
the Republican state com- 
mittee and in 1900 chair- 
man of the Republican ward commit- 
tee of Ward 14, resigning May i, to 
accept the appointment of supervisor 
of bridges for the City of Boston. Mr. 
Marshall's appointment to his present 
position by Mayor Hart was a fitting 
recognition of his work in behalf of the 
Republican party, in the ranks of which 
he has been an indefatigable worker and 
popular young leader. He is a member 
of several social and political organiza- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



143 



tions among them the Knights of Malta : 
United Order of the Golden Cross ; South 
Boston Citizens" Association and the 
South Boston Aid Association. 

JAMES HILL. 

This well-known former resident of 
South Boston and past eminent comman- 
der of St. Omer Commander}-. Knights 
Templar has. by his own ef- 
forts attained a prominent 
position in the b u si n e s s 
world. He was born in Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, April 15. 
1852; the son of Francis and 
Mar\- Hill. His father was 
one of the old-time residents 
of South Boston who was well 
and favorably known. He 
was connected with the Bay 
State Iron ^^'orks for years 
and devoted much of his time 
to the welfare of South Bos- 
ton. He was esteemed by all 
who knew him and was a 
member of the congregation 
of the old church on E street. 
The senior Mr. Hill removed 
to South Boston from Scot- 
land in 1853 bringing with 
him, as an infant, the subject 
of this sketch. When the 
younger Hill became of the 
proper age he attended the 
Lincoln school under Mas- 
ters Barrett and Morrill. He 
afterwards finished his edu- 
cation in private study. He 
commenced his business 
career early in life and the 
age of fifteen years found him 
engaged in commercial life. 
He showed a natural aptitude for this 
line and his first experience was attained 
in the shirt and collar business which he 
has followed to the present time. Soon 
after entering he was placed on the road 
as a travelling salesman which he has fol- 
lowed successfully for twenty-five years. 
In this branch of the dr}- goods busi- 
ness he is now associated with the 
International Shirt & Collar Company of 
which he is one of the stockholders. 



He has managed the Boston branch of 
the concern at 41 Kingston street since 
the business was established here. The 
concern is one of vast importance, having 
branches in New York. Chicago, San 
Francisco, Baltimore, and Philadelphia 
and factories at Troy and Albany, X. Y. 
Mr. Hill is well known in fraternal circles 
where he is a favorite. He is a member 
of Winslow Lewis lodge F. & A. M.. St. 




JAMES HILL. 

Mathew's Royal Arch chapter, and a past 
eminent commander of St. Omer Com- 
mandery. Knights Templar. Mr. Hill 
did his share towards promoting the wel- 
fare of South Boston. He lived in this 
district until he was thirty years of age 
when he removed to the cit}^ of Lynn. 
In this field of residence he has repeated 
his duty as a citizen and won the hearty 
esteem of his fellow citizens. He has 
served the shoe city on its important 



144 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



school committee and has done much 
toward improving the excellent school 
system of that city. What was South 
Boston's loss w^as Lynn's gain. Mr. 
Hill is a hearty worker in municipal 
affairs and is a firm believer in the im- 
provement of conditions for his fellow- 
man. 

PATRICK LALLY. 

This well-known citizen was born in 
Ireland in 1825. He came to America 




I'AIRICK LALLV. 

and has been a resident of South Boston 
since 1833. At the age of sixteen he 
secured a position in the Hinckley Loco- 
motive Works. Learning the trade of a 
blacksmith and beginning at the bottom 
round of the ladder, he advanced as he 
became proficient to the highest position 
in the works in his department. At the 
end of four years he accepted a position 
in the works of John Souther, then located 
in the old sugar refinery building on 
First street. Two years later, by strict 



economy, he was enabled to start in busi- 
ness for himself, and purchased the 
business of Green & Davis, general black- 
smiths and wheelwrights, whose estab- 
lishment was located at the corner of 
Dorchester avenue and First street. His 
natural mechanical ability soon won him 
recognition and, prior to and during the 
Civil War, he built many gun carriages 
for the United States government. These 
gun carriages required wheels as large as 
eleven feet and four inches in diameter 
with measurements of tweh^e feet in- 
side the tires, the largest truck wheels 
ever made. He also furnished from 
his South Boston shop for the govern- 
ment, about the same time, a number 
of paddle arms for war vessels. 
Under his careful guidance the busi- 
ness became firmly established, and 
from the start it saw a steady and 
healthy growth. In 187 1 Mr. Lally 
erected the five-story building now 
occupied by the firm of Patrick Lally 
eV' Sons, and located at numbers 21 
to 25 First street, which he occupied 
as soon as completed and where he 
afterwards conducted a general manu- 
facturing business. During the early 
seventies a number of the hose car- 
riages and other wagons for the Bos 
ton fire department and the fire de- 
partments of adjoining cities were 
constructed by him at his factory. 
He has also fulfilled important con- 
tracts for many of the best-known 
concerns in the country, among them 
being the ( )regon Improvement Com- 
pany of California, Standard Sugar 
Refinery, Downer Oil Works, South 
Boston Iron Company, Norway Iron 
\\'orks, Ames Plow Company, Boston 
Elevated Railroad, also many prominent 
coal concerns, breweries, truckmen and 
contractors. He has made a specialty of 
building coal wagons and invented several 
hoist and chute wagons, now indispen- 
sable to the coal trade in and around Bos- 
ton. The product of the concern, namely: 
wagons, caravans, etc., is considered equal 
to any. In July, 1897, this veteran manu- 
facturer retired from active business life 
and the establishment has since been con- 
tinued with success by two of his sons 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



145 



George W and Edward A. Lally, under 
the firm name of P. Lally & Sons, the 
young men maintaining the excellent 
reputation established by the well-known 
subject of this sketch. 

DR. MICHAEL F. GAVIN. 

Dr. Michael Freeborn Gavin has a 
national reputation as one of the leading 
physicians and surgeons in this country. 
His high standing in his chosen profes- 
sion is due to his general aptitude and 
thorough knowledge of the science of 
medicine. He is a native of Roscom- 
mon, Ireland, was born in May, 1844, 
and came to this country in 1857, where 
he was educated in the public schools 
and under private tutors in this city. 
Having decided to study medicine, he at- 
tended the medical school connected 
with Harvard University, where he re- 
ceived his degree of M.D. Dr. Gavin 
then pursued a course of study at the 
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, re- 
ceiving his diploma in 1866. To become 
still more proficient in his profession he 
went to Paris, where he did post-gradu- 
ate work. He has practiced medicine 
in this city since 1867 and is known in 
his profession as most skillful and a high 





RESIDENCE OE DR. MICHAEL 



DR. MICHAKE F. (JAVIN. 

authority on difficult medical problems. 
He is a member of the Massachusetts 
Medical Society and of the Boston 
Society for Medical Improvement. Dr. 
Gavin is also associated with other 
medical societies, including the Boston 
Society for Medical Observa- 
tion, the British Medical Asso- 
ciation, the American Medical 
Association and the Royal Col- 
lege of Surgeons, Ireland. For 
the past twenty years he has been 
consulting surgeon at St. Eliz- 
abeth's Hospital, Boston, and 
has also been visiting surgeon to 
the Carney Hospital the same 
length of time. Since 1886 he 
lias been visiting surgeon to the 
Boston City Hospital and was 
professor of clinical surgery at 
the Boston P o 1 y c 1 i n i c from 
iSS.S to 1 89 1, \\ith the 57th 
Regiment, M. V. M., in 1865 he 
went to the front as assistant sur- 
geon. From 1878 to 1884 he was 
a trustee of the Boston City Hos- 
pital. Dr. (javin has been a 
writer of eminence and has con- 
tributed manv scientific treatises 



146 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



to magazines and medical papers. To the 
Dublin medical press in 1866 he con- 
tributed a paper on the "Treatment of 
Burns " and later an able paper on 
"Comparative Statistics of Suicide," 
which appeared in "Appleton's Weekly." 

He has a wide and extensive practice, 
and, while not an active member of any 
local organizations, he is at all times in- 
terested in the welfare and advancement 
of the district. He possesses one of the 
handsomest residences in Boston and 
resides on Broadway hill. 

In November, 1876, he was married 
to Ellen Theresa Doherty of New York 
city. Two children have blessed the 
union, Basil and Hilda Gavin. 

JAMES MILLIGAN. 

The subject of this sketch, Mr. James 
Milligan, recalls a man, who, by his 
many good works, expressed in charitable 
ways, endeared himself during his life- 
time to a large circle of friends and 
associates. Mr. Milligan was born in the 
north of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish paren- 
tage, July 20, 1826. He was apprenticed 
to the trade of a carpenter for seven 
years, under the care of his father. 
Anxious to see more of the world, he 
enlisted in the English service while 
quite young, and was assigned to the 
duty of coastguardsman. When twenty- 
five years of age he came to America, 
and after spending a vear here, he 
returned to his native land and married 
Miss Annie Quinn. The couple embarked 
for Boston after spending a short honey- 
moon in Ireland. Upon his return Mr. 
Milligan applied himself zealously to 
the trade of a carpenter, and rapidly 
rose in his calling. His ability and 
experience soon made him a desirable 
man for contractors. He became fore- 
man of a large concern, and under his 
care not a few of the largest and best 
buildings in Boston were constructed. 
Soon after the civil war, he located in 
South Boston, and purchased land on 
Ontario street, where he erected a num- 
ber of dwellings, and with a desire to 
advance the interests of the poor, he let 
these often at a great disadvantage to his 




THK LATK JA.MES MILLIC.AN. 

pecuniary prospects. He was in close 
touch with every household around him, 
and the hours of illness and sorrow 
made strong appeals to his ever-gener- 
ous nature. In 1870, he engaged in the 
hardware business on Federal street, 
and carried it on with good success until 
1885, when he turned the management 
of it over to his two sons. The remain- 
der of his days, until his death, in May, 
1889, he applied himself to the develop- 
ment of his real estate interests. He 
was a member of St. Matthew's Episco- 
pal Church, and was a great favorite 
among his Roman Catholic friends, 
whom he served in many ways. In 
social qualities he was genial, kind and 
tender-hearted. He was true to his word, 
faithful in his promises, and charitable 
in his relations to his fellow men. Many 
a heart felt the loss of such a kind and 
benevolent neighbor ; he left a widow and 
three children. Thomas (since deceased), 
William S., and Annie J. Hazlett, wife of 
Sergeant Hazlett of Boston police force. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



= 47 



THE LATE VINCENT LA FORME. 

Vincent La Forme was bornin Rheine, 
Westphalia, Germany, June 25, 1823, 
and, when ten years old, came with his 
parents to this country. His father was 
Anthony La Forme, a descendant of 
Peter La Forme, of St. Omer, France, 
an officer in the French army, who. in 
the year 1833, emigrated to Boston and 
entered into the manufacture of silver- 
Avare, continuing until his death in 1846. 



an active member, and sergeant until 
1848. He was a member of the famous 
Pulaski Guards of South Boston in 1846, 
also of the Light Infantry of Boston. In 
1858 he joined the Ancient and Honor- 
able Artillery Company, during his 
thirty-five years' membership he was 
treasurer and paymaster seventeen con- 
secutive years. He was also an honor- 
ary member of the Veteran Apprentices 
Association. May 6, 1889, he was ap- 
pointed bv Mavor Ilart one of the 





THE LATE VINCENT LA FORME. 



FRED P. LA FORME 



He was educated in the Boston public 
schools, and after his graduation, entered 
his father's business. In 1843 he 
entered this business for himself at 5 
Water street and remained in the loca- 
tion of the Carter building. He retired 
in 1890, taking with him the reputation 
of the most expert silversmith in the 
country. He married Sarah Jane Field 
of Boston, in 1845, ^"<^ ^'^^ the father 
of nine children, six of whom are now 
living. Mrs. La Forme was a descen- 
dant of John Sealy, of Boston, who, in 
1776, left Boston and went to Halifax 
with the British and settled there, although 
he had two sons in the Federal army 
who remained in active service during 
the war. After the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, he returned. Mr. La Forme 
joined the state militia in 1841, and was 



commissioners of public institutions, con- 
tinuing in office until April i, 1891, 
when he resigned. Mr. La Forme first 
resided in South Boston in 1845, and 
was one of the leading citizens of the 
district, up to the time of his decease. 
He took a great interest in public mat- 
ters, and in the development and improve- 
ments in this section. He was one of 
the pioneers of the building up of Bay 
View, where he built three houses, the 
first in 1853, the second in 1855, and 
the third in i860, which are situated on 
K street, where his children now reside. 
He was one of those who helped plant 
the beautiful trees which to-day grace K 
street. In 1883 he was elected presi- 
dent of the South Boston Citizens' 
Association, which position he filled for 
six years. His influence in the organi- 



148 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



zation did much towards extending the 
reputation of the association. Mr. La 
Forme died July 2, 1893, and was 
buried at Forest Hills cemetery. 

FRED. P. LAFORME. 

A life-long resident of South Boston 
and a member of the Old Hawes School 
Boys' Association is Fred LaForme. He 
is a son of the late Vincent LaForme, and 
was born on Bolton near Dorchester 
street in October, 1847. His father was 
one of the foremost citizens and one of 
the most aristocratic residents of the 
district. The subject of this sketch 
attended the Hawes grammar school and 
then went to the English high school 
from 1862 to 1865. He has lived in the 
old homestead on K street for forty years. 
When a boy Mr. LaForme carried news- 
papers at City Point and can well remem- 
ber when there were but few houses, 
widely scattered at the Point, and the 
historic stockade loomed up in the neigh- 
borhood and enclosed the institutions at 
that place. In business circles he is well- 
known to the clothing trade, having been 
identified with that line for many years. 
He has for twenty-five years been asso- 
ciated with Leopold Morse dt Co., and 
his faithful service has been repaid to 
the extent that he is to-day one of the 
leading men of the establishment. He 
is one of the five brothers and one sister, 
now living, of nine children. He has for 
years been a member of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association, of which organiza- 
tion his father was president for six years. 
He is affiliated with the Knights of Honor 
and the City Point C'atholic Association. 

THE LATE JOSIAH DUNHAM. 

Prominent among the earlier residents 
of South Boston, and one who was to a 
great degree identified with the interests 
and history of this section of the city 
was Josiah Dunham ; born March 1 1 , 
1775, at New Bedford, Mass. His 
father was a sea-captain, whose family 
were among the early settlers of Plymouth 
and their first records in this country 
date back to 1635. When a young man 



he came to Boston and became employed 
in the cordage business by a Mr. Rich- 
ardson, who conducted a rope-walk in 
the vicinity of what is now Pearl street. 
When he entered business for himself, 
his rope-walk was situated near Boylston 
street. In 1807 Mr. Dunham purchased 
land on and near what is now B street. 
South Boston, and built an extensive 
rope-walk. He also built a fine residence 
here. He continued in the manufacture 
of cordage until 1853, and was in every 
sense a successful businessman. Through 
thrift and enterprise he erected many 
buildings for residential and business 
purposes. In 1833 he represented South 
Boston in the common council, and for 
the following three years was an efficient 
member of the board of aldermen. 
Through his ceaseless efforts he was 
largely instrumental in the building of 
the north free bridge, which connected 
this district with Boston, which resulted 
in the increase of the values of property 
here and also the population. 

He was a tireless worker for the suc- 
cess of any project which promised to 
be of benefit to South Boston, and dur- 
ing his terms of office in the city 
government. Fourth street and Broadway 
were made suitable for public travel. 
Mr. Dunham had great influence with 
his associates in the board of aldermen, 
and that influence was exerted on many 
notable instances when South Boston's 
interests were at stake. On one occa- 
sion he took matters into his own hands, 
placing a large number of men at work 
ploughing down and grading Fourth 
street and Broadway. Afterward, show- 
ing the needs of the improvements and 
by his able presentation of his case he 
succeeded in causing the board of 
aldermen to approve the bills for the 
work. 

His charities were many and extended 
throughout his life. In 1823, when the 
society now known as the Phillips church 
was formed, he generously erected a hall 
on Fourth street, for their place of wor- 
ship, and gave them the use of it 
with other .substantial aid. His energy 
and perseverance were remarkable, his 
friendships strong, and his whole life 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



149 



was marked with great activity and 
industry. His death occurred April 
27, 1857. 

THE LATE JOSIAH DUNHAM (JUNIOR). 

Few names can be mentioned more 
intimately connected with the growth of 
South Boston and more closely identified 
with many public improvements tending 
to the prosperity of the place than that of 
Josiah Dunham (junior). Born in Boston 
March 8, 1804, he removed to South 
Boston early in life, with his father, with 
whom he afterwards engaged in the 
manufacture of cordage and in the real 
estate business. His connection with 
the city government commenced in 1837 
when he was elected to the office of coun- 
cilman, serving again in that capacity 
in 1849, 1S50 and 1851. In 1854 and 
1855 he represented South Boston in the 
board of alderman, was identified 
with the project resulting in Thomas 
Park on the heights and planned Mount 
Washington avenue, introducing the 
resolves and having them passed by 
the city government. In i860 he was a 
delegate to the National Republican 
convention at Chicago and he was 
appointed naval storekeeper, in 1861, 
holding the office for four years. He was 
a leading man of this district, active in 
politics and ihe recognized head of the 
Republican party here. 

A member of the Masonic fraternity 
for fifty-two years, he was at the time of 
his death treasurer of St. Paul's Lodge, 
which office he had held for more than 
twenty-eight years. He joined the An- 
cient and Honorable Artillery Com- 
pany in 1828, and in 1836 became 
the captain of the Pulaski Guards, 
which company he had been instrumen- 
tal in forming. In 1853 he became a 
life member of the New England 
Historic Genealogical Society, was a 
member of the Bunker Hill Monu- 
ment Association and other public and 
social organizations. For a number of 
years he had been an influential member 
of St. Matthew's church and under his 
leadership money was raised for building 
the present edifice. 



He was a man of strong personality, 
public-spirited, energetic and untiring in 
his labors for the welfare of South Bos- 
ton, benevolent and liberal in his bene- 
factions, giving without ostentation. So- 
cially he enjoyed the friendship of a 
large circle of acquaintances and was 
a staunch friend and valued citizen. He 
died April 17, 1877. 

THE LATE HENRY A. DRAKE. 

The late Henry A. Drake whose mem- 
ory is perpetuated in the Drake school 
as well as by his excellent record in pub- 
lic service, was born July 17, 1828 and 
died April 27, 1868. His private worth 
was made manifest in purity of character 
and by his acts of kindness to his fellow- 
men. His life was one of usefulness 
and his decease, at the age of thirty-nine 
years, removed one of the most esteemed 
men of this part of Boston. He was the 
son of Jeremy Drake, one of the early 
citizens of South Boston who was active 
in the affairs of this district and one of 
the deacons of Phillips church. Henry 
A. Drake attended the public schools, 
and was graduated at the English high 
school. He, soon after, entered a short 
but notable business career in the whole- 
sale paper house of Gov. Alexander H. 
Rice. At the age of twenty-four years 
he became a member of the banking 
house of Burnett, Drake & Co., repre- 
senting the firm in the Boston Stock Ex- 
change, the concern becoming one of the 
best known banking houses on State 
street. Of this partnership he was a 
most useful member, and during the re- 
mainder of his life his business aptitude 
added much to the great measure of suc- 
cess secured by this firm. At twenty-six 
he was elected a member of the Boston 
school committee and his long service 
resulted in the good of education. His first 
connection with the school board was in 
1854 and continued uninterruptedly until 
1858. In 1 864 he was again re-elected, and 
served continuously up to the time of his 
death. The resolutions drawn up by his 
associates in 1868, when he was removed 
from their number, were supplemented the 
year following when the school building 



150 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



at the corner of C and Third 
streets was built and named 
in honor of his long and 
valued service in the cause 
of Boston education. His pub- 
lic service was still further 
extended to the city govern- 
ment when, in 1 862-1863 ^""^ 
was a member of the common 
council, taking an active 
part in all matters coming 
before that body, and gain- 
ing strong popularity by his 
loyalty to the interests of this 
district. At the time of his 
death he was one of the 
directors of public institu- 
tions, as one of which he was 
a friend of the unfortunate 
and suffering. He was one 
of the founders of the South 
Boston Savings Bank, and 
one of its trustees up to the 
time of his death. He made 
the first deposit at this bank 
after its incorporation and 
his bank book, numbered 
one, is now in the possession 
of his family. He was a 
prominent figure in social life, 
and was a m e m b e r of the 
South Boston Masonic 
bodies, being at the time of his de- 
mise master of Gate of the Temple 
Lodge, member of St. Matthews Royal 
Arch Chapter and St. Omer Comman- 
dery. A man of attractive personality, 
his even temperament and genial dispo- 
sition made him much beloved by those 
in all walks of life. He was connected 
with St. Matthews church, energetic and 
earnest in its work and welfare, and a 
member of the vestry. His attainments 
were above the ordinary ; he was a man 
unobtrusive in manner, firm in his at- 
tachments, loyal to his friends ; and he is 
remembered as one of the most promising 
young men then residing in South Boston. 

MILTON C. PAIGE. 

One of the best-known men of Boston, 
socially and politically, is the subject of 
this sketch, who is a native of the old 




THE LATE HENRY A. DRAKE. 

granite state, and was born in the city 
of Manchester, December, 8, 1861. Mr. 
Paige comes from old New Hampshire 
stock who have resided in that state for 
several generations, but originally came 
from Scotland. His father was Orlando 
Paige, a prominent business man of Man- 
chester and for several years was super- 
intendent for large contractors, and also 
was engaged in agricultural pursuits and 
owned an extensive farm. Mr. Paige's 
mother was Susan Clark, of Manchester, a 
sister of Colonel Charles R. Clark, a well- 
known military man of that state. Mr. 
Paige is the third youngest of a family of 
nine children and has five brothers, all of 
whom have been successful business men ; 
Frank I. Paige is an enterprising grocer 
and provision dealer in Manchester ; 
William H. Paige, a prosperous farmer 
of North Londonderry, N. H. ; Nelson 
W. Paige a large contractor and builder 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



151 



in Manchester, who has been actively 
engaged in political affairs and formerly 
represented his constituency in the city 
and state governments; Samuel E. Paige, 
a well-known local milk dealer ; and 
Lester C. Paige, who has general super- 
vision over Mr. Paige's large stock farm. 
His sisters are Mrs. C. F. Hall, Mrs. 
Laura A. Boyce, of Manchester, and 
Mrs Walter P 1 u m m e r , 
the last of whom is now 
deceased. When sixteen 
years of age Mr. Paige 
came to Boston to learn 
stationary engineering 
and secured a position 
with the Boston Steam 
Laundry at Jamaica 
Plain. He made marked 
progress, and in six 
months' time was placed in 
charge of the engine room. 
He remained there about 
two years, but owing to ill- 
health he was advised b\' 
a physician to secure out- 
door employment. After a 
short apprenticeship in the 
milk business, at the age of 
twenty he embarked in this 
line for himself. At this time 
Mr. Paige had no funds at 
his command ; but through 
his honesty and integrity of 
purpose he was able to get 
almost unlimited c re d i t . 
From this start he has built 
an extensive business and to- 
day is the largest milk dealer 
in South Boston and one 
of the largest in the city. 
Pluck, perseverance and en- 
ergy have been important factors in iiisbus- 
iness career. Beside the milk business he 
has been and is now interested in several 
other enterprises, both in Boston and in 
his native city. He is largely interested 
in real estate, and owns one of the finest 
stock farms in New Hampshire, sur- 
rounding the beautiful sheet of water 
known as Mosquito Pond, near Man- 
chester and upon this farm his mother 
and brother now reside. Politically Mr. 
Paige is one of the most popular men that 



ever came before the people for suffrage- 
What success the Republican party has 
achieved in this city has been justly at- 
tributed in no slight degree to his assid- 
uous and unceasing labors. In 1893 
Mr. Paige served as a member of the 
Ward 14 Republican Committee and 
since that time he has taken an active 
interest in all political affairs. He has 




MII/roN C. PAIC.K. 

been repeatedly elected to state and city 
conventions; in 1894 he received the 
nomination for the state legislature. At 
the subsequent election he ran much 
ahead of his ticket and received the 
largest number of votes ever given to a 
Republican candidate in his ward. When 
aldermen were nominated at large, in 
1897-98, Mr. Paige was elected, receiv- 
ing the second highest vote on the 
ticket. During these contests he led the 
Democratic candidates in this district. 



152 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



This was especially noticeable in Ward 
13, where he received the largest num- 
ber of votes ever given to a Republican 
in this ward. The next year he failed 
of re-election ; at that time there were 
over forty candidates on the ballot and 
his name being near the foot of the list 
he suffered in conseciuence. In 1898 
he was a candidate at the caucuses for 
Congress in the Tenth Massachusetts 
district. By a narrow margin he lost 
the primaries and at the convention Rev. 
Samuel J. Barrows was nominated after 
one of the hardest fought battles in the 
history of the district. May 1, 1900, 
Mr. Paige was appointed superintendent 
of public buildings by Mayor Thomas 
N. Hart, which high position he iills 
with marked efficiency. On April 26, 
1899, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Emeline Marsters, a talented elo- 
cutionist and social leader of Haverhill. 
Mr. Paige became a member of Gate 
of the Temple Lodge, F. & A. M., Octo- 
ber 26, 1886. He is also a member of 
St. Matthews Royal Arch Chapter ; East 
Boston Council, Royal Select Masters ; 
St. Omer Commandery ; also a thirty- 
second degree Mason ; a member of 
Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, an old 
Arabic order ; the Old New Hampshire 
Club ; sergeant of the Amoskeag Veter- 
ans, one of the oldest and most honored 
military organizations in the country, 
organized in honor of General Stark ; 
Derryfield Club, of Manchester ; South 
Boston Yacht Club ; Mosquito Tlleet 
Yacht Club ; United Order of the Golden 
Cross; United Order of the Golden 
Star ; Bethesda Lodge of Odd Lellows ; 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- 
pany ; one of the trustees of the Boston 
Fusiliers ; honorary member of the Arion 
Singing Society ; honorary member of 
Dorchester Driving Club ; one of the 
first members and promoters of the Bay 
State Driving Club ; Boston Press Club ; 
associate member of Dahlgren Post, 
No. 2, G. A. R. ; and a member of Bos- 
ton Lodge of Elks and South Boston 
Citizens' Association. He resides at 
129 K street, and is one of the most 
loyal and respected residents of the Pen- 
insula district. 



EDWIN R. SPINNEY. 

Edwin R. Spinney is the sole active 
representative of a family identified with 
the history of South Boston since 1836. 
His enterprise and interest in the public 
welfare are pronounced. He was born on 
old Copp's Hill, Boston, December 21, 
1857. His parents, Thomas M. and 
Martha E. (Andrews) Spinney, imme- 
diately after his birth, returned to this dis- 
trict, taking up a residence at 180 K 
street, where they still reside. He grad- 
uated from the Lincoln grammar school 




EDWIN R. SPINNEY. 

in 1872 at the age of fourteen. He then 
entered Bill's conuuercial college. In 
May, 1873, he conuiienced his business 
career as a boy in the firm of A. D. 
Sternfeldt, & Bro. importers of French calf- 
skins. Fort Hill square. Later, he entered 
the employ of Howe & French, dealers 
in paints and oils, Boston, who were suc- 
ceeded by Charles \V. Badger. He 
remained with this concern until June, 
1890, having filled every position from 
boy to manager with a splendid ability. 
A few weeks later Mr. Spinney estab- 
lished a real estate office at 643 E. Broad- 
way, removing January 23, 1895, to his 
present model office at 80 K street. 
During these years he has built up a 
prosperous clientage. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



153 



In 1892 he succeeded in 
having the sum of $90,000. 
assessed on account of the 
Strandway. paid back to 
property-holders by the city. 
In 1894 he was a candidate 
for the legislature, and was 
chairman of the Ward 14 
Republican committee 
in i8gi and 1892. In 1894 
and 1 895 Mr. Spinney 
served as second assistant 
assessor, and since 1896 
has been a first assistant, 
having charge of one of the 
heaviest districts in Boston. 
He is a trustee of Hobah 
Lodge, I. O. O. F., a promi- 
nent m ember of the Citi- 
zens' Association, a member 
of the South Boston Aid As- 
sociation, and treasurer of 
the South Boston Republi- 
can Club. 

JAMES A. COOK. 

James Augustus Cook, 
the well-known dealer in 
hardware and wall papers, 
was born at the corner of Photo, Purdy. 
Fifth and F streets, South 
Boston, May 5, 1852. His father, John 
F. Cook, was born in Portsmouth, 
N. H., in 1823, and died in 1868. His 
mother, whose maiden name was Mary 
Cole Perkins, was born in Salem in 
1823, and was the daughter of the late 
Ezra Perkins, who for many years kept 
a cooperage on Fifth street, near the 
corner of C street. The subject of this 
sketch obtained his early education in 
the schools of this district, first attending 
the Mather school in 1857, his teachers 
being Misses Lincoln and Moody. He 
afterwards, in 1861, entered the Law- 
rence school, and passed through the 
rooms of Misses Towne and Cooper ; 
Mr. Hardon, sub-master, and Mr. 
Stearns, master. He left school in the 
summer of 1866 to enter the trunk mak- 
ing establishment of Alexander McDon- 
ald, on School street, where he continued 
until the latter part of 1867. He left 




JAMES A. COOK. 

there to take a position as clerk in the 
hardware store of William G. Bird, on 
Merrimac street, near Causeway street, 
whose employ he left in June, 1868, and 
entered the store of John Q. Bird, whose 
store was then on Broadway, near D 
street. He remained there until Jan- 
uary, 1878, when, with C. Gardner Cope- 
land, he opened a store at 321 Broadway 
as a dealer in hardware, cutlery, paper- 
hangings, etc. Mr. Copeland retiring 
sixteen months later, Mr. Rufus K. Wood 
became Mr. Crook's partner in 1879. 
In July, 1880, they leased and altered 
the property at 287 Broadway, contin- 
uing together under the firm name of 
Cook & Wood until April, 1887, when 
the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Cook 
has continued the business since that 
time, removing in 1900 to his present 
store at 385 Broadway. Mr. Cook mar- 
ried Miss Ella M. Disney, of Newbury- 



154 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




Photo, I'urdy. 



FRANCIS A. CAMPBELL. 



port, Mass., by whom he has one son, 
George L. Cook, who is now an architect 
in Boston. Mr. Cook is well known in 
Masonic circles, being a past master of 
Gate of the Temple Lodge, a member of 
St. Matthews Royal Arch Chapter, and 
a past eminent commander of St. Omer 
Commandery, Knights Templar. He is 
also past protector in the Knights and 
Ladies of Honor, and past warden in 
Volunteer Lodge, New England Order 
of Protection, and has, since its organiza- 
tion, been a member of the executive 
committee of the Mather and Lawrence 
School Association, and takes an active 
interest in the affairs affecting the wel- 
fare of South Boston. 

FRANCIS A. CAMPBELL. 

One of the able members of the Suf- 
folk bar and also one of the Boston 



school board, is Francis A. 
Campbell, son of Frank 
Campbell, formerly a promi- 
nent resident and business 
man of this district. He was 
born in South Boston, and 
obtained his early education 
by an attendance at the Park- 
man school, later entering 
the Lawrence school. He 
afterwards went to the Bos- 
ton Latin school, and later 
graduated from Mount St. 
Mary's College, Emmets- 
burg, Md. He then entered 
the law department of Har- 
\ard College, where he stud- 
ied for his profession, and 
took a prominent part in the 
athletics of the University. 
He is well remembered as 
the famous catcher of the 
college baseball team during 
the years 1 887-1 888, when he 
was recognized as the best 
all-round player on the team. 
He now has in his possession 
a h a n d s o m e cup awarded 
him for being the best gen- 
eral player, and also one for 
securing the best batting 
average. After leaving col- 
lege and being admitted to the bar, he 
immediately commenced the practice of 
his profession, in which he has achieved 
marked success. He maintains offices in 
the Tremont building, Boston. In the win- 
ter of 1897 he became a candidate for mem- 
ber of the school committee, and in his sub- 
sequent election, for a term of three years, 
expiring in January, 1901, he is serving 
his first office within the gift of the 
people. He is a member of Harvard 
Graduates Athletic Association ; a life 
member of Harvard Law School Asso- 
ciation ; a member of Hasty Pudding. 
D. K. E. ; Boston Athletic Association ; 
Catholic Union ; Municipal Officers As- 
sociation, and several other organiza- 
tions. As a product of South Boston he 
has reflected much credit on the lo- 
cality where he was born, and his por- 
trait will be readily recognized by the 
reader. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



155 



THOMAS J. KZITSY. 

Thomas J. Rer:::} i^ s :> uJ: Boston 
boy. bom on the z>erir:i^.i^3_ Not. iS. 
1865. He atteEced the <r'.ir.ch znd 
Bigelow schools, ar.d s-hc'se i/^e' -dy a 
private schcoL ai^d e:::ered trjc '.3.-W ■: £ce 
of Geoige W. Morse the weil-iDoim 
State street lawrer. in March. iSSi. He 
at nrst stcdied and practiced stencgraphy 
and later took up the srady of the law. 
In 1S97 be was admitted to the Suffolk 
Conntv bar. and in Tulv. 180S. to the cir- 



one of the most: active and interested 
raessbexsof the Boston scbool ooonnittee 

and is now servu^ <m its most impor- 
tant educatioiial OMnmiUjee. viz : text- 
books and cx>m-se5 of stiady. He is al- 
so chairman of the committee 00 Ae 

BcrStOI^ TiOTTQal 5«cicK'i. 

ROBERT M. MiZISH. 

Robert M. McLeish, the sobject of 
this brief sketch, was bom in Fifeshire. 
Soodand. His father was a studio- oi 




with Mr. Morse 
nets, and hi? - 
the firm. 
tensrv"elv " 



In Oc- 

..- -ed 



es and 



e Democratic or- 
Mr. Kenny has 
::i;_scd u, accept office, mitil 
&oS. when, without his con- 
party placed 
rrted him a 
--ding the 
entire 
is still 



the c 

after r- , . 

came 

Steelar . 

death si t£ie ^c oi =cvciity-ii\ c voaxs. 
Mr. McLei^s mother, who resides at 
Woods HolL is eighiy-rwo jrears of age. 
He hiffi<;<^lf is the voungest of six chil- 
dren, three sons and diree daughteis, all 
ving. He went to work at the age ot 
:r-irteen. and served an apprenticeship 
of five years in the dry-goods business, 
part oi the time in the famous house of 
Amott &: Co.. in Glasgow. Comix^ to 
this dty in 1&80. he became a salesman 
in the house oi Ho^. Brown &: Taylor, 
and has remained with the snccessois of 
this firm, having now been ten years fill- 
ing a responsible positicm with the firm 
ai Houston & Henderscm. He has also 



156 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



-^^m 



LIEUT. GEORGE PROCTOR. 



LIEUT. GEORGE PROCTOR. 

been a civil constable for this city for eight 
years. Mr. McLeish is a well-known mem- 
ber of many fraternal organizations, and 
especially of the Masonic bodies, among 
which may be mentioned Baalbec Lodge, 
F. cSi A. M. ; St. John's Royal Arch 
Chapter, and William Parkman Com- 
mandery. He is also a member of the 
South Boston Citizens' Association, the 
South Boston Republican Club, the 
South Boston Aid Association and of the 
Dry Goods Clerks' Benefit Association. 
As a member of the South Boston organi- 
zations Mr. McLeish has been noted for 
his keen interest and activity in all mat- 
ters pertaining to the improvement of 
this district. His residence is 214 K 
street, vvhere he has lived for many 
years, having married Sarah, daughter 
of the late John Rule, a veteran of the 
Mexican war. There are three children 
of the marriage, Sadie, Robert and John. 



Lieutenant George Proctor, 
Troop A. National, Lancers, 
M. V. M., was born in South 
Boston, and is the son of the 
late John Proctor, who is well 
remembered by older resi- 
dents of the district. He was 
a large contractor and build- 
ing mover who had resided in 
South Boston fifty years, up 
to the time of his death. The 
subject of this sketch was 
educated in local public 
schools and the English high 
school. He first commenced 
business life in the wholesale 
drug house of ^^'eeks l\: Pot- 
ter. One year later the war 
broke out and he enlisted in 
the 44th Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers and went to North 
Carolina with General Foster, 
serving in the eighteenth 
army corps, third division. 
He saw immediate active ser- 
vice and took part in the fol- 
lowing engagements : King- 
ston, Whitehall, Goldsboro. 
Rauls Mills, Trainters Creek 
and the siege of Little Wash- 
ington. He was a first and second lieuten- 
ant in the Seventh Infantry, and was in 
Cooper street. New York, in 1863, during 
the draft riot, when the mob attempted to 
take the armory. He was also a corporal 
and sergeant in the South End Battery, 
and a member of the Old Guard. He 
entered the service of the United States 
a second time and served out the terms 
of his enlistment. When \^'ashington 
Post 32 was organized. Lieutenant Proc- 
tor was a charter member and was for 
two terms its quartermaster. He has 
been a member of the National Lancers, 
Troop A, First Batallion Cavalry, Second 
Brigade, M. V. M., since 1883, and has 
passed through all the grades to captain 
of the troop. It was June 22, 1871 that 
he was elected second lieutenant of the 
troop, and afterwards succeeded General 
Curtis Guild Jr., as first lieutenant. He 
has had avast experience in militarylife for 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



157 



which he has always had a 
strong attachment. At the 
age of eighteen he was com- 
missioned second lieutenant, 
and the following year was 
made a first lieutenant. Even 
before the war he was a mem- 
ber of the boys' military com- 
pany, organized in South 
Boston. For many years he 
has been engaged in the lum- 
ber business and is of the firm 
of Proctor & Drummey, Har- 
rison avenue, Boston. He 
is also interested in other 
enterprises. Beside residing 
in one of South Boston's most 
comfortable homes on Broad- 
way, he owns and operates a 
large farm out of the city. He 
is a member of the South Bos- 
ton Citizens' Association and 
is one of the most interesting 
and influential men of this 
locality. 

MAJOR GEORGE F. H. 
MURRAY. 



B'rom his prominence in 
military and social circles and 
long residence in South Bos- 
ton, Major George F. H. Murray is one of 
the most favorably known citizens of this 
district. He was born on board the packet 
ship Marcapolo, December 12, 1858, his 
parents then being on a voyage from Aus- 
tralia to Liverpool, en route to America. 
The family took up their residence in South 
Boston and young Murray attended the 
Mather, Lawrence and English high 
schools. He entered business life in the 
employ of Endicott iv: Macomber, and 
later acted as Boston correspondent of 
Morice & Preston, a marine insurance 
concern. He afterwards entered the 
office of the late Calvin A. Richards, 
then president of the Metropolitan horse 
railroad. After Mr. Richards' death he 
associated himself, as travelling salesman 
with George F. Hewitt of Boston and 
Worcester, and Stanley tSi Co. of Law- 
rence. In i8g6 he entered the employ 
of the New York Life Insurance Com- 




MAJOR GEORGE F. H. MURRAY. 

pany, and in November, 1899, estab- 
lished himself in his present real estate 
and insurance business, soon after adding 
to it the business of John H. Muldoon. 
Although he has been in his present 
business but a little over a year, he has 
become one of the leaders in his line in 
the district, and has achieved marked 
success, his familiarity with the values of 
South Boston property and reputation 
for ecjuitable dealings with all being 
prominent factors in his success. He 
entered politics early in life and repre- 
sented Ward 13 in the common council 
in 1883, '84 and '85. His creditable work 
in the council won him the highest 
regard of his constituents. Major Mur- 
ray was secretary of the Democratic city 
committee in 1884, '85 and '86, and held 
the oftice of deputy collector of internal 
revenue, from 1886 to 1890. He first 
entered the state militia in 1887 as lieu- 



15! 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



tenant of Company B, Ninth Regiment 
Jnfantry, M. V. M., being made captain 
of the same company the year following. 
On the breaking out of the Spanish war, 
he was the first captain to volunteer his 
command for the service. Enlisting in 
May, 1898, he landed in Cuba, July i, 
the same year, and in command of Com- 
pany B, took an active part in the siege 
of Santiago. The following August he 
was commissioned major of the Ninth 
Regiment, U. S. Volunteers. After re- 
ceiving an honorable discharge at the 
close of the war, his regiment returning to 
the state militia, he was unanimously elect- 
ed senior major of the Ninth Regiment In- 
fantry, M. V. M., which office he still holds. 
Major Murray is a life member of the 
Young Men's Catholic Association, of 
Boston ; and is also active in the Knights 
of Honor; South Boston Citizens' Asso- 
ciation ; Knights of Columbus, Ancient 
Order of Hibernians ; Legion of Spanish 
War Veterans ; Army of Santiago, and 
the Massachusetts Commandery of the 
Naval and Military order of the Spanish- 
American war. After his retirement from 
active service in the Spanish war. Major 
Murray was shown the esteem in which 
he was held by the men of his com- 
mand by being presented by Company B 
with a handsome sword and belt. 

HENRY HUTCHINGS. 

This veteran boat builder of South 
Boston, who has for many years resided 
at City Point, is one of the best authori- 
ties on boats and yachting in New Eng- 
land. He was born in Portsmouth, 
N. H., April 5, 1837 ; the son of a sea- 
captain, and was left an orphan at the 
age of five years. He then went to live 
with an uncle at Kittery who was a boat 
builder. He attended school in this town 
and grew up in the boat-building busi- 
ness. During the winter seasons he went 
on coasting schooners and at the age of 
eighteen years was master of the schooner 
"Sharon." In 1866 he came to South 
Boston and worked eight years for Pierce 
Brothers, the old boat builders. He then 
engaged in business for himself at C'ity 
Point, in the firm of Hutchings & Prior, 



at Hankey's wharf, where he built several 
well-known boats. Among the steam 
and sailing boats he built, may be men- 
tioned the "Water Witch," "Viking," 
" Ionia," "Myrtle," " Wave Crest," and 
"Golden Gate." The " Wave Crest" 
was sixteen feet in length and in it two 
men started on the phenomenal trip for 
Australia. This destination would have 




HENRY HUTCHINGS. 

been reached had it not been that the 
provisions becoming spoiled, they were 
forced, after twenty days' privation, to 
land at the Vaha islands. They were 
then picked up and brought home, with 
the boat, on a steamer. Mr. Hutchings 
also built the " Emelie," some fifteen 
years ago, the fastest of her class on the 
Atlantic coast, and a boat that captured 
nineteen straight prizes. Mr. Hutchings 
has also sailed in all the important races 
in Boston Harbor. He was formerly a 
member of the old Hull Yacht Club. 

For the past three years he has been 
engaged in the boat business at City 
Point and his present location is at the 
public landing. He has married twice. 
His first wife was Miss Pamelia Keen of 
Kittery, Maine. They had five children, 
three of whom are now living ; Mrs. 
Woodman, Lieutenant George H. Hutch- 
ings of the Boston fire department and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



159 



Mrs. Mills D. Barber. After the decease 
of his first wife he was married to Miss 
Myra Lowell of Kitter)'. 

HON. EDWARD J. LEARY. 

The city messenger of Boston, Hon. 
Edward Joseph Leary, has always lived 
in South Koston, and is the son of John 
Leary an old resident of the district. He 
was born at the corner of Dorchester 
Avenue and Silver street, opposite the 
old and historic South Boston tavern, on 
property owned in the Leary family for 
an extended period. After obtaining 
his early education and graduating from 
the Lawrence school, he went to work in 



since. Mr. Leary is a member of Boston 
Lodge ID, Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks ; past chief ranger of 
SS. Peter and Paul Court, Massachu- 
setts Catholic Order of Eoresters ; was 
recently elected grand knight of Red 
Brick Council, Knights of Columbus ; is 
a member of the Celtic club ; has been 
a member of the Boston College Associa- 
tion, and is enrolled in several other 
local organizations. 

RALPH WARDLAW GLOAG. 

Of the resident professional men of 
South Boston, Ralph VV. Gloag, the well- 
known attornev at law, is one of the 




HON. EDWARD J. LEARY, 



RALPH W. GLOAG. 



the old Suffolk glass works. He is a 
music compositor by trade, at which call- 
ing he once served. He engaged in 
business by opening a clothing store at 
the corner of B street and Broadway, 
which he conducted with that success 
which has attended his every effort. For 
nearly a score of years Mr. Leary has 
been before the public eye. In 1886 
-1887 he served as a member of the 
common council; in 1888-1889 in the 
legislature; in 1890 to 1892 in the board 
of aldermen ; in 1893-1894 in the senate, 
and in 1896 was elected city messenger, 
being re-elected each succeeding year 



most interested citizens. He was born 
in Port Elizabeth, Cape of Good Hope, 
and obtained his education at the Sir 
George Grey Institute, becoming prize- 
man of his class. He continued his 
English and classical studies at Magee 
and Queen's colleges, Ireland. Coming 
to this country ip 1890, he entered Har- 
vard University law school, graduating 
in 1893. Being admitted to the Suffolk 
county bar soon after, he immediately 
commenced the practice of his profession, 
entering the office of Hon. Sherman 
Hoar, then Ignited States district attor- 
ney. Later, upon his admission to the 



i6o 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



bar of the United States circuit court, 
he began to practice on his own account 
with an office in Pemberton square, 
where he has since continued with 
marked success, being a familiar figure 
before the higher courts, and having 
been retained on many important cases 
during his professional career in Boston. 
He is a member of the Harvard Law 
School Association ; the Victorian Club, 
and is also a Knight Templar Mason, 
being a member of St. Paul's Lodge ; 
St. Matthews R. A. Chapter and St. 
Omer Commandery. He was united in 
marriage, in 1893, with Miss Lucy 
Cholmondley Dickson, and resides at 
392 Broadway, South Boston. 

DR. JOHN MacDONNELL. 

x-imong the prominent physicians of 
South Boston, Dr. John MacDonnell of 
381 Broadway holds a conspicuous place. 
His practice is indeed a large one 
although his medical career in this dis- 
trict is a very short one. Dr. Mac- 
Donnell was born in Crossakiel, County 
Meath, Ireland, on June 4, 1 862 . His early 
education was acquired in the national 
schools of his native town, after which 
he entered St. Mary's College, Mullingar, 
where he studied classics for five years. 
He then went to Scotland, where 




DR. JOHN iMACDONNELL. 



he studied medicine. After com- 
pleting his course in medicine he went 
to England, where he first commenced 
his practice which he continued success- 
fully for some time. In 1891 Dr. Mac- 
Donnell decided to come to this country, 
and arrived in Boston. After living here 
a short time he passed the M.D. exami- 
nation as required by law in both the 
Tufts School of Medicine and the College 
of Physicians. Since establishing him- 
self in this district he has made many 
friends and possesses a lucrative prac- 
tice. Dr. MacDonnell's specialty is the 
stomach, in which branch of his pro- 
fession he is recognized as a skillful 
practitioner and authority. In June, 
1892, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Delia Jones of Waltham, and five children 
have been born to bless their union. 

THOMAS F. WALSH. 

One of the best known of South Bos- 
ton business men is Thomas F. Walsh, 
proprietor of the South Boston Roofing 
company. The progressiveness of this 
young man is amply testified to by the 
rapid increase of his business. He 
started seven years ago in a small way. 
Success marked every step in his career, 
and the short time he has been located 
in South Boston business life has made 
scores of friends for him both in civil and 
business life. His employment covers a 
considerable amount of ground and 
extends not alone over South Boston 
but into the suburbs. He has extensive 
yards on First street and employs on an 
average fifteen men. Mr. Walsh has 
been a resident of South Boston since 
1883. During the intervening time he 
has done much to promote the welfare of 
South Boston by an allegiance to its 
organizations. He is an enthusiastic 
member of the South Boston Citizens" 
Association, and all plans suggested for 
the improvement of the district, meet 
with his hearty approval. He is also an 
enthusiastic yachtsman and one of the 
popular members of the Mosquito Fleet 
Yacht Club. He is also affiliated with 
the Knights of Columbus and the Royal 
Arcanum. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



i6i 



THE BOSTON WHARF COMPANY. 

The Boston Wharf Company was in- 
corporated in 1836, and was the outcome 
of bringing together into one ownership 
various parcels of flats located upon the 
South Boston side of Fort Point channel. 
At sundry times, by acts of the legis- 
lature, the lines of the company's owner- 
ship w^ere extended as filling progressed 
until some twenty-five years ago, after 
the great Boston fire, the filling of these 
flats was completed by the debris from 
this great catastrophe. At difi^erent times 
the company has owned nearly all the 
land between First street and the rail- 
road freight terminals, and to-day owns 
over two million feet, located on Fort 
Point Channel, Summer, Melcher, Con- 
gress. A, Granite, Sleeper, Farnsworth, 
Pittsburgh, Richards and Midway streets 
and Mt. Washington avenue. From 
mud flats the property has become a 
great business location. In its early 
days the company devoted its energies 
to the storage business, and for years 
nearly all the sugar and molasses brought 
to Boston was landed and stored upon 
this property. With the changes of the 
last quarter of a century, the dying out of 
the old mercantile houses and the con- 
solidation of the sugar refineries, this busi- 
ness has largely disappeared. Beginning 
some fifteen years ago the business of 
the Boston Wharf Company has changed 
materially. The storage of sugar and 
molasses has largely ceased, and in its 
place the company has devoted its ener- 
gies and capital to the erection of large 
and costly buildings for various mercan- 
tile purposes. Upon the lands now or 
formerly owned by this company are lo- 
cated some of the largest industries of the 
city. Among them : the Bo.ston plant 
of the American Sugar Refining Com- 
pany, the Whittier Machine Co., the 
Boston Molasses Company, Moore cS: 
W^yman Elevator and Machine W'orks, 
Bay State Belting Company, Simpson 
Bros. Corporation, the Factory Buildings 
Trust, Boston Plate and Window Glass 
Company, Wheeler-Stenzel Company, 
Machine W^orks of A. & J. M. Anderson, 
the New England departments of the 



Rochester, Providence and Pabst brew- 
ing companies, the Atlas, Williams and 
Dexter public storage warehouses, the 
hide concerns of J. T. Meader & Co. 
and S. W. Wiley & Co., the private 
storage warehouses of Shepard, Norwell 
& Co., Jordan, Marsh & Co., Brown, 
Durrell & Co., Jones, McDuffee & 
Stratton Company, American Radiator 
Company, F. W. Hunt & Co., Boutwell 
Brothers, Smith & Thayer Company, 
Sumner & Goodwin, Pittsburgh Plate 
Glass Company, National Lead Com- 
pany, Baxter, Schenkelberger & Co., M. 
J. Collins, Hamburger Brothers, W. J. 
Corbett & Co., Wm. Corbett, John Far- 
quhar's Sons ; together with the offices 
and warehouses of the great wool houses 
of Jeremiah Williams & Co., Purdy & 
Co., Harding & Caverly, Hecht, Lieb- 
mann & Co., Brown & Adams, J. Kosh- 
land & Co., Nichols, Dupee & Co., Amer- 
ican Woolen Company and Hallowell, 
Donald & Co. 

There are also here located the fac- 
tories of the American Telephone & 
Telegraph Company, the New England 
Telephone & Telegraph Company, Chase 
& Co. Corporation, Lally & Co., Riley 
cS: Co., Eagle Extract Company, Guy T. 
Carleton, C. L. Hauthaway & Sons, 
Macallen Company, V. S. Webster & 
Co. and many others. Also the great 
stables of the American Express Com- 
pany, W^aterhouse cS: Clements, Thomas 
McEnany and Flanders & Co. Also the 
establishments of the Western Union and 
Postal Telegraph Companies, of the Edi- 
son Electric Illuminating Company, pipe 
yards of Waldo Brothers, Eisk, Homes 
(S: Co. and C. A. Dodge «S: Co., and the 
yards of Stewart & Co. and the Metro- 
politan Coal Company. 

The company itself still devotes some 
six hundred thousand feet of land to its 
own storage and bonded yards business. 

The property of the company is inter- 
sected by streets and spur railroad tracks, 
and bounded by a fine water front. The 
amount spent in improvements upon it 
would aggregate several million dollars. 
In 1836 the property was assessed for 
$40,000, and the tax paid was $190. On 
May ist, 1900, that part of the property 



l62 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



then remaining in the name of this com- 
pany was assessed for $3,829,700, and 
the tax was $56,300. Probably this does 
not represent one-half of the property for- 
merly owned by the company and now 
assessed to others. 

FELTON & SON. 

The oldest manufacturing plant in 
South Boston is that of f^elton & Son, 
distillers, at the corner of Fifth, C and 
Gold streets. The buildings of the con- 
cern are certainly landmarks of South 
Boston, with a history covering nearly 
three quarters of a century. The story 
of the concern, since the distillery was 
built in 1839, is very interesting. It was 
in this year that Luther Felton con- 
structed the first building of this now 
well-known business. It was but a por- 
tion of the present plant, but it answered 
for the demand at that time. In the 
following year Mr. Felton commenced 
the manufacture of rum, the brand of 
which has become well known, and the 
demand for it has of course increased, so 
that the original building, which was one 




'^. 




THE LATE I>i;rHKR FKI/t'ON. 



THE LATE LUTHER H. FELTON. 

Story high, long ago ceased to be large 
enough. The passing of years found 
material increase in the business until 
now the buildings and the land used 
occupy the block bound by Fifth, Gold, 
C and D streets, with the exception of 
a part on D street, now occupied by the 
Norcross school, and which was sold by 
Mr. Felton to the City of Boston for that 
purpose. Luther P'elton, the pioneer 
manufacturer, was born in Marlboro in 
1790, where his father was also born, 
liis grandfather, great-grandfather and 
great-great-grandfather were all born in 
Salem, Mass., while his great-great-great- 
grandfather came over from England in 
1633 and settled in that old town, mak- 
ing the Felton family one of the oldest 
families in the country. Mr. Luther 
1^'elton moved to Boston from Marlboro 
in 18 1 1, where he at once entered the 
employ of one of the well-known dis- 
tillers of the day and thoroughly learned 
the business. About 1824 he started in 
business for himself, renting a distillery 
on Washington street, about where Asy- 
lum street now connects with it, but 
being unable to purchase this, a few years 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



163 



later, he built, as before stated, the South 
Boston plant. In 1845 he purchased as 
a residence the house at the northeast 
corner of Broadway and G street, 
which was then in process of erection, 
and which he occupied until his de- 
cease in 1868. At one time he owned 
several large tracts of land in South 
Boston including that on Broadway, 
which is the site of the old Mather 
school, and planted many of the large 
elm trees which to-day grace the streets 
of South Boston with their majestic 
arms. His son, Luther H. Felton, was 
born in Boston in 182 1, his education 
being obtained in the Boston public 
schools of that day, and he became 
associated in the distillery business with 
his father in 1844. He was for many 
years a resident of Old Harbor street, near 
Dorchester street, from whence he re- 
moved to West Newton in 1867, where 
he resided until his decease in 1896. 
During his business career the distillery 
was much enlarged to meet the growing 
business, notably in 1854, which was 
caused by a large demand for New 
England rum for use in the Crimean 
War. Frederic Luther Felton, who now 
conducts the business under the old 
firfn name of Felton & Son, was born 
in this district in 1848. He first saw 
the light of day in the old brick house 
on Fourth street near F, occupied at that 
time by his maternal grandfather, the 
late Josiah Withington. His education 
was acquired in Miss Burrill's famous 
old private school, which then stood 
where the Unitarian church now stands 
on Broadway, and in the old Hawes, 
Lincoln and Bigelow schools, which 
was supplemented by a course in the 
Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. 





FREDERIC L. FELTON. 

He entered the distillery business with 
his father in 1867, becoming a partner 
in 1873. Since the death of his esti- 
mable father he has conducted the busi- 
ness alone. For several years Mr. 
Felton has been a resident of West 
Newton, although still retaining his 
membership in several South Boston 
Masonic bodies. The business of this 
time-honored concern has increased 
with years and has improved with age 
like its noted product, and its goods 
have a reputation which is not confined 
to the borders of this country. Being 
unsurpassed in quality it has found a 
ready sale at home and abroad. In 
1 88 1 Felton & Son w^ere awarded a 
medal by the Massachusetts charitable 
association as an evidence of the su- 
periority of its goods. Although Mr. 
Felton resides in Newton, he still has 
a native interest in the welfare of this 
district, and is proud to have his name 
associated with the many honorable 
ones, who have, most of (hem. enii- 
gratetl from time to time from one of 
the finest locations of any portion of 
Boston for residential purposes. 




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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



165 



FACTORY BUILDINGS TRUST. 

Rising niajestically on tlie territory 
bordered by A, Wormwood and Binford 
streets, is a series of buildings known in 
real estate and manufacturing circles as 
the Factory Buildings Trust. As one per- 
ceives the immense magnitude of the 
buildings it is not hard to realize that 
this is the largest electric light power and 
manufacturing plant in Boston. Cover- 
ing as it does over three acres of land in 
the territory off A street this fact is be- 
yond contradiction. The immense build- 
ings rise with all the splendor and grace 
borne by more magnificent structures, and 
they form a story of one of the most 
interesting of the many manufacturing 
sites in South Boston. The buildings 
are numbered from 239 to 259 A street, 
I to T,7, Wormwood street and 2 to 42 
Binford street. They are five in num- 
ber, and cover an area of over three 
acres. It hardly seems possible at a 
cjuick glance to be convinced at such 
short notice that the structures which 
rear so magnificently into the air cover 
this amount of ground, but a close 
inspection proves the fact beyond a 
shadow of a doubt. The location of 
the plant, if it may be called such, is 
admirably suited for manufacturing pur- 
poses. During the past five years 
South Boston has become the center 
of the wool trade and manufacturing 
concerns have followed each other 
in rapid succession to this part of the 
district. Being closely situated to the 
freight terminals much time and labor 
have been saved in the transportation of 
heavy manufactured goods. The Fac- 
tory Buildings Trust's magnificent struc- 
tures therefore fill a long-felt want. 
They are admirably located and suited 
for every kind of manufacturing. The 
establishment is supplied with all modern 
appliances, electric light and power and, 
in a few words, they are all that is re- 
quired for heavy and light manufacturing. 
Abreast of the buildings are outlets that 
bring the city proper. South Boston, the 
South Terminal and the immense south- 
ern freight terminals within easy reach. 
Every convenience is at hand. The idea 



of the company in causing the erec- 
tion of these buildings was to cater to 
the manufacturing community. Those al- 
ready located in the building are high in 
their praise of the locality and the facili- 
ties afforded by its owners. This story 
would not be complete without a series 
of figures commenting on the many ad- 
vantages afforded by the buildings and 
the magnitude of the enterprise. Build- 
ing No. I is 62 feet wide by 210 feet 
long, covering an area of 13,020 square 
feet; buildings Nos. 2 and 3 are 70 feet 
wide by 2 10 feet long, each with a square 
areage of 14,700 square feet; building 
No. 4 is 75 feet wide by 210 feet long, 
giving a total of 15,750 square feet; 
building No. 5 is 71 feet long by 97 feet 
wide, giving the building 6,987 square 
feet. Thus it will be readily noticed that 
the buildings of this company cover 
65,159 square feet. The boiler room is 
101 feet wide by 113 feet long, and the en- 
gine room 75 feet wide by 105 feet long. 
The total amount of grovmd occupied by 
the plant is three acres with a floor space of 
over 10 acres. These figures are accurate 
and show the immense amount of space 
utilized in South Boston in a condensed 
area for manufacturing purposes. Eight 
million of brick is a large quantity. It 
would cover a large amount of space if 
they were laid side by side, and if piled 
one on top of the other would reach 
nearly one million and a half feet into the 
air. Vet this is the number of brick used 
in the construction of these mammoth 
buildings. There are many other facts in 
connection with these buildings of interest 
to the general public. The chimney tower- 
ing above the building is 222 feet high, 
being within 30 feet as high as Bunker 
Hill monument. The boiler capacity 
is 3,000 horse power and the engine ca- 
pacity is 2,500 horse power. The elec- 
tric light capacity is 16,500 sixteen-candle 
power lamps. The piping for the plant 
is over 1 7 miles in length or if laid out 
in a straight line would extend to nearly 
the town of Sharon on the New York, 
New Haven t^ Hartford Railroad. These 
are facts and figures compiled by the 
builders and those interested in the 
building. They appeal to every manu- 



1 66 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



facturer in need of a place for the main- 
tenance of his business. Well lighted, 
well ventilated, and in every sense a 
model building, the company invites an 
inspection of its premises. 

HERSEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 

The Hersey Manufacturing Company 
represents one of the oldest and most ex- 
tensive establishments for the manufac- 
ture of machinery in this city. The 
factory is located in South Boston and its 
products find a market in every part of 
the world. The works were established 



improved machinery for the manufacture 
of soap, for refining salt and for making . 
malt automatically. In the year 1885 
they established the Hersey Meter Com- 
pany, a corporation for the manufacture 
of water meters. This proved very 
successful. In the year 1890 the Hersey 
Manufacturing Company was incorpor- 
ated, which absorbed the Hersey Meter 
Company and the general business of the 
Hersey Brothers. The Herseys were 
placed at the head of the new company, 
with James A. Tilden as general man- 
ager and Henry D. Winton as assistant 
manager. Francis C. Hersey, Jr., has 





CHARLES H. HKRSEV. 

in 1859 by Walter F. Hawes and 
Charles H. Hersey, under the firm 
name of Hawes & Hersey. At that 
time the business was limited to thebuild- 
ing of steam engines and general ma- 
chineiy. In the year 1865 Francis C. 
Hersey, who had represented the firm in 
South America for some years, was ad- 
mitted as a partner ; the business was 
enlarged and the partnership continued 
until the year 1872 ; when Mr. Hawes 
retired from the business, which was 
continued then under the firm name of 
Hersey Brothers. This firm devoted its 
energies to the manufacture and sale of 
patented machinery with signal success. 
Their machines for making granulated, 
cube and block sugars have a world-wide 
reputation. They are also builders of 



F. C. HERSEY. 

for the past five years also been con- 
nected with the company. 

Mr. Hawes and the Herseys are well 
known to the older people of South 
Boston as they resided in that section 
for many years. Mr. Hawes represented 
this district in the board of aldermen 
for some years, and later Charles H. 
Hersey was a member of the same board, 
and also of the common council. He 
was also president of the South Boston 
railroad for the two years preceding its 
absorption into the West Fnd system. 
Both of the Hersey brothers are mem- 
bers of the board of trustees of the 
South Boston Savings Bank and Mr. 
Francis C. Hersey is vice-president of 
the Mattapan Deposit & Trust Com- 
pany. 



i68 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



S. A. WOODS MACHINE COMPANY. 

The S. A. Woods Machine Company, 
whose large works are situated near Dor- 
chester avenue at the foot of D strejpt, 




S. A. WOODS. 

is one of the largest manufacturing con- 
cerns in South Boston, employing a 
force of about 300 hands. It is located 
within a stone's throw of the abandoned 
Norway Iron works, the present site 
being occupied for the first time in 1866. 
The original business was founded in 
1854, when a partnership was estab- 
lished by Mr. Woods with Solomon S. 
Gray under the name of Gray & Woods. 
The original location of the concern was 
in the buildings on First street, famil- 
iarly known as Page's Mill. The first 
partnership held for five years but there- 
after the business was conducted by 
S. A. Woods until 1873. when tlie busi- 
ness became incorporated. They adhere 
strictly to the manufacture of wood-work- 
ing machinery, which is shipped to all 
parts of the world. The officers of the 
corporation are S. A. Woods, president. 



and Frank F. Woods, treasurer and 
manager. The business, under the care- 
ful management of these gentlemen, has 
shown steady growth from the start, and 
from a modest beginning has developed 
into an extensive plant with a flourish- 
ing business. Since the start made by 
Gray & W'oods, more than fifty patents 
for devices and improvements in wood- 
working machinery have been issued to 
the company, and nearly one hundred 
medals have been granted by indus- 
trial exhibitions. S. A. Woods is a 
native of Farmington, Maine, and is 
descended from intercolonial ancestry. 
He was educated in a district school 
and at the Farmington Academy. At 
the age of twenty he went to work as 
a carpenter and four years later built 
a mill in Farmington for the manufac- 
ture of doors, sash and blinds. After 
becoming a resident of this district he 
was deservedly honored by the people 
of South Boston and served as an influ- 
ential member of the common council in 
i869-i87oand 187 i. During 1870-187 1 




FRANK F. WOODS. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



169 




WORKS OF THE S. A. WOODS MACHINE COMPANY. 



he was one of the directors of the East 
Boston ferries. He is a member of 
the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics 
Association, the oldest trustee of the 
South Boston Savings Bank, a member 
of the Boston Art Club and St. Omer 
Commander}', Knights Templar. Frank 
F. Woods, treasurer of the company, 
was born on Third street, South Boston, 
October 3, 1855. He was educated in 
the local primary, grammar, and Eng- 
lish high schools and Highland Military 
Academy, Worcester. He entered his 
father's works in 1876 and made his 
way from the bench to his present othce. 
He has held public olfice and repre- 
sented \\'ard 15 in the State legislature 
in 1888. He is a member of the Ex- 
change Club, Massachusetts Charitable 
Mechanics Association, Boston Athletic 
Association, Sons of the Revolution, 
and St. Omer Commandery, Knights 
Templar. Fred A. Cheney, secretary 
of the corporation, is a young man of 
marked ability; he has been at the 
works several years and has worked his 
own way up to the responsible position 
he now holds. Although the history of 
the S. A. Woods Machine Company 
is here but brietiy told, many pages 
could be filled on the subject. The 
company adds no little to the manu- 
facturing success of South Boston and 



the large sum of money disbursed to its 
employees contributes largely to the 
prosperity of the district. 

GEORGE LAWLEY & SON 
CORPORATION. 

This well-known establishment was 
founded by George Lawley, an English 
ship-builder, who came to this country 
in 185 1, bringing with him his family, 
amongst whom were his son, George 
F. Lawley, now president of the corpora- 
tion. Mr. Lawley settled in East Boston 
where he found employment at his trade. 

In 1866, Mr. Lawley moved to Scitu- 
ate, Mass., where he went into the boat- 
building business on a small scale, with 
his son, George F., as assistant. In those 
days an order for a twenty foot catboat 
was of such magnitude as to cause the 
contractors to feel that business was very 
good, and that their facilities were taxecl. 
They built many good boats in Scituate, 
and established considerable reputation. 
In 1874, at the earnest solicitation of 
several influential members of the Boston 
Yacht C-lub, tiiey were induced to bring 
their business to South Boston where 
they established their shops on the prop- 
erty of the Jtoston Yacht Club on Sixth 
street, near the foot of P street. The 
yards were removed to the present loca- 



I/O 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



tion on the north and harbor side of 
South Boston, First street at the foot of 
O street. This property contains up- 
wards of three acres of uphmd and more 




(;eor(;e lawley. 

than four acres of flats. With increased 
accommodation they were able to under- 
take larger contracts, amongst the first 
being the renowned cup defenders " Puri- 
tan " and " Mayflower," and the schooner 
yachts "Merlin," "Sachel,"and "Mar- 
guerite." With the introduction of steel 
in combination with wood in the structure 
of vessels, known as composite construc- 
tion, came the desire to be able to pro- 
duce on the grounds the necessary steel 
work for this purpose, also there was an 
increasing demand for wholly steel con- 
struction for hulls. In order to accom- 




plish this it seemed desirable to increase 
the working capital to cover the expense 
of new shops, and in 1890 the Lawley's 
associated with them Thomas Hibbard, 
who took the position as treasurer of 
the company, and who looked after 
the construction of the new steel shops. 
The business was then incorporated with 
a capital of $100,000. George Law- 
ley, founder of the business, then prac- 
tically retired from active business, and 
George F. Lawley was elected president 
of the corporation. At about this time 
Edward Burgess, the great naval archi- 
tect and yacht designer, coming into con- 
tact with the Lawleys, soon found that 
their experience was invaluable in mak- 
ing a success of his boats. Mr. Burgess 



iu 



THOMAS HIHHAR1>. 



GEORCxE F. LAWLEY. 

became a factor in building up the con- 
cern, and his early death, in 1S91, was 
for a time quite a setback to the busi- 
ness. Other Boston designers who fol- 
lowed Mr. Burgess in his work, have 
helped to keep this establishment in the 
front of yacht building. XMiile the firm 
is ready at all times to build from designs 
furnished them, still they have produced 
from their own talent many celebrated 
boats, and are ready at all times to under- 
take the most intricate problems of marine 
engineering. 

During the last ten years there has 
been a steady progress, and many build- 
ings have been added to the plant as 
found necessarw Many large yachts 
have been built, among which may be 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



171 




BASIN AT LAWLEV S YARDS. 



mentioned the " Alcaea" and " Ingomar," 
and cup defender, " Jubilee," in steel ; the 
schooners " Latona " and " Endyniion " ; 
steam yachts " Alcedo," " Aquilo," " Cur- 
rier," " In- 
ca," " Va- 
r u n a , ' ' 
"Kaleda," 
and " Val- 
da." 

One of 
their latest 
contracts 
has been 
the two tor- 
pedo boats 
"Blakely" 
and "D e 
Long" for 
the r n it- 
ed States 
govern- 
m e n t , a 
combined 
contract 
represent- 
ing over 
$325,000. 
In order to 



build the 
machinery 
for these 
boats it 
was neces- 
s a r y to 
erect a 
machine 
shop. This 
w as put 
up in 1898, 
and fully 
equipped 
with first 
class and 
high grade 
tools. 

The cor- 
poration 
e m p 1 o y s 
from two 
hundred to 
three hun- 
dred and 
fifty hands 
and the majority high skilled mechanics. 
These cover a number of trades, such as 
machinists, ship carpenters, ship joiners, 
iron ship buiklers, blacksmiths, riggers. 



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i;: 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



caulkers, painters, 
plumbers, t i n s m i t hs , 
and in fact most of the 
prominent departments 
of mechanical work. 
Such an establishment 
can hardly fail to be a 
great benefit to a com- 
munity. 

P^The president, Mr. 
George F. Lawley, re- 
sides at 47 M street, 
South Boston, and is a 
well-known citizen. His 
brother, Mr. E. A. Law- 
ley, resides at 60 N 
street, and holds a 
prominent position at 
the works, besides being 
a director. 

The corporation has 
won a reputation for 
building substantial and 
durable work, and have 
endeavored to avoid 
building too light or 
flimsy structures for the 
sake of gaining a repu- 
tation for speed in their 
boats. It is well known 
that a " Lawley built 
boat " is one of the most 
desirable in the market, 
and these boats main- 
tain their prices where 
many may have depre- 
ciated. 

JENNEY MANUFAC- 
TURING COMPANY. 

The jenney Manufac- 
turing Company enjoys 
the distinction of being 
the only concern to-day 
that refines petroleum 
and manufactures burn- 
ing oils in New England ; 
and is one of the very 
few that have not been 
absorbed by the cm! 
trust. They are the suc- 
cessors of Lsaac and 
Stephen Jenney, who 
e.stablished themselves 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



173 



in business at 50 State street, in 181 2. 
The retining of petroleum was begun in 
186 1 and the business was carried on 
by Bernard and his brother, Francis H. 
Jenney, under the name of Stephen 
Jenney & Co., until 1884, when the 
Jenney Manufacturing Company was in- 
corporated under Massachusetts laws 
with Bernard Jenney, president ; B. J. 
Dillaway. treasurer; Walter Jenney. super- 



education was acquired at the Massa- 
chusetts Institute of Technology where 
he graduated in the class of 1877. The 
works, which occupy nearly two whole 
squares between U and E streets and 
Second and Cypher streets, have a capa- 
city of about 500 barrels a day, and the 
goods manufactured here are recognized, 
both in this and foreign countries, as of 
the very highest grade of j excellence. 




intendent. Bernard Jenney, a resident 
of South Boston since 1837, was born 
on the site of the telephone company's 
building at the corner of Milk and Oliver 
streets. Before the discovery of petro- 
leum he was engaged on the same prem- 
ises in the manufacture of burning fluid, 
which was a mixture of camphene and 
alcohol. E. J. Dillaway, the treasurer 
of the company is a resident of Maiden 
and has been connected with the con- 
cern since 1869. He is one of the best- 
known oil merchants of New England. 
Walter Jenney, who is superintendent 
of the plant as well as a director of the 
company, is a South Boston boy and has 
grown up in the business. He is a 
graduate of the Bigelow school and the 
English High School, and his technical 



The reputation of this concern adds no 
little to the distinction of South Boston, 
and is doing much to keep the name of 
the district's industry well in the front. 

WALWORTH MANUFACTURING 
COMPANY. 

One of the largest of South Boston's 
manufacturing industries is the Walworth 
Manufacturing t'ompany, whose immense 
plant is located on East First street, 
City Point. This magnificent plant, 
which has added much to the business 
life and growth of South Boston, has 
furnished employment for years to many 
of South Boston's workingmen. The 
history of the Walworth Manufacturing 
Company covers a large page in the 



174 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



history of Boston's industrial develop- 
ment. It has been a veritable educa- 
tional institution from whence have ema- 
nated many of the most noted steam 
titters and engineers of the present day. 
Pioneers in their line, this concern takes 
rank with the most important inventors 
of the age in the development of the 
present methods of heating, lighting and 
ventilating of homes, offices, stores and 
work shops and supplying them with 
water. So far advanced, so near per- 



tween six and seven million feet of 
pipe. \\'hen this time-honored concern 
launched its career on the tide of adver- 
sity there was no precedent to guide 
them. All appliances were crude and 
rough and irregular in finish and gen- 
eral appearance. C'aleb C. Walworth 
was the first to see the advisability of 
establishing a scale of sizes and weights 
of valves and fittings to give the work a 
symmetrical and finished appearance. 
( )ther inventions of Mr. Walworth's of 




I X 

1 1^: 



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,j^-i 



EXTENSIVE WORKS OF THE WALWORTH M A N'U 1 AC TUKI Ni ; CO^rPAXV. 

fection in economy and comforts as 
regards heating and lighting, surely a 



return to the old styles would not be 
far from a calamity. The history of 
the Walworth Manufacturing Company 
covers an honorable period of fifty 
years and more. The advance in their 
business during this time can be easily 
told by referring to the fact that in 1842 
a small stock of pipe, covering at the 
utmost 5,000 feet, was bought with con- 
siderable hesitation and was considered 
a large transaction at the time. In 
1894 the same concern handled be- 



almost equal importance followed, among 
which was the machine for tapping six 
fittings at once, and at the same time in- 
suring straight and regular threads, len- 
der the old style but one thread was cut 
at a time and it was as liable to be cut 
crooked as straight. The old-fashioned 
scroll die plate was next improved, and 
the improxed die plate is used to-day. 
To-day the Walworth Manufacturing 
Company are the leading and largest 
manufacturers of pipe tools in the world, 
sending their products to every part of 
the uni\-erse where a pijie for conveyance 



HISTORY OF SOUTH ]K)STON. 



175 



of liquid or vapor is used, and being 
in the manufacture of these tools the 
largest consumers of crucible steel in the 
world. Prior to 1875 the method for 
constructing radiators for steam heating 
purposes was of a crude nature, the cost 
being considerably enhanced by the 
amount of labor necessary to properly 




THE LATE C. C. WALWORTH. 

construct them. To reduce this Mr. 
Walworth invented the W^alworth radi- 
ator which at once took a first place in 
the market and has always been con- 
sidered one of its leading articles. Many 
other inventions can be enumerated 
which have gone to place the Walworth 
Manufacturing Company in the front 
rank with all concerns of its kind in the 
world. The influence, example and 
sturdy New JMigland integrity and char- 
acter have done much in establishing 
the name and business of the Walworth 
Manufacturing Company, and placing 
it in its present eminence. In 1842 
the business was established in a base- 
ment at the northeast corner of Dev- 



onshire and Water streets. The year 
following more commodious quarters 
were found at 18 and 22 Devonshire 
street in which limited space was found 
for a brass foundry, machine shop, office 
and salesroom. This, with the addi- 
tion of a small room in Blake's court, 
was retained until 1869, when the prem- 
ises at I Bath street were occupied 
until the great fire in 1872 
which necessitated a removal to 
Haymarket square. In 1874 
the business was removed to 
69 Kilby street where it remained 
for ten years. In 1884 and until 
1899 the store and general offices 
were in 16 to 28 Oliver street. 
All these removals were made 
necessary on account of increas- 
ing business. In 1900 we find 
the prosperous firm magnificently 
housed in the building numbered 
128 to 136 Federal street, the 
largest of its kind in the world, 
with five floors and basement, 
with a total floor space of 50,000 
square feet. The South Boston 
works cover many acres and give 
employment to about 1,000 men. 
Besides this the concern has a 
pipe warehouse and pipe yards 
on Congress street, with a capac- 
ity of 75,000 square feet, where 
pipes of all sizes are cut, threaded 
and fitted. The present officers 
of the company are as follows: 
Wallace L. Pierce, president ; 
Geo. B. Little, vice-president ; Geo. H. 
Graves, treasurer ; Geo. T. Coppins, sec- 
retary ; Osborn B. Hall, general man- 
ager mechanical department. 

ROBERT BISHOP. 

One of the largest manufacturing con- 
cerns in the United States, in its line, is 
that of the business of Robert Bishop, 
located on Sixth street. Since the de- 
cease of its founder, it has been carried 
on by his son, Robert Bishop, and Col. 
P. H. Corr of Taunton, acting as 
trustees of tlie estate. In addition to 
carrying on this extensive factory in 
South Boston, where 150 hands are 



176 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



given steady and remunerative employ- 
ment, the concern owns and operates a 
large paper mill at Newton Lower Falls. 
The business was originally started in 
1 86 1 by the late Robert Bishop. It 
was then located on Atlantic avenue. 
The factory, which was much smaller 
than the present extensive industry was 
destroyed by the great Boston fire in 
1872. The business was then removed 
to South Boston, its present location. 
The intervening years have seen a won- 
derful growth of the factory. From a 
small beginning it has been necessary 
to enlarge the plant several times to 
keep pace with the rapid increase of 



factory has a very large frontage on 
Tudor street and extends back to Seventh 
street covering a large frontage on each 
of these streets. The accompanying 
illustration, from a birds-eye point of 
view, shows the plant to good advantage. 
The motive power of the plant is fur- 
nished by four steam boilers each of 250 
horse power and engines of, 225 horse 
power. The plant is equipped with 
every known device for the saving of 
labor, and machinery necessary for the 
manufacturing of cotton, including mod- 
ern pickers, and card machines. No 
house in the United States stands higher 
with the trade. The product is shipped 



M 



i^lU-- 










SOUTH BOSTON FACTORY OP^ ROBERT BISHOP. 



business. The original lines of goods 
manufactured were machined cotton, and 
woolen and cotton waste for wiping and 
packing. Some years ago, however the 
firm went into the manufacture of carpet 
linings and bed comfortables. In 1890 
they commenced the manufacture of 
dyed cottons. It was in the same year 
that they purchased the paper mills at 
Newton Lower Falls for the manufacture 
of straw and ninnilla papers. At this 
factory 160 iiands hnd steady employ- 
ment and these mills there add much to 
the business success of Newton. The 
extensive factory in South Boston com- 
prises five buildings. But little idea can 
be gleaned of the magnitude of the plant 
from its entrance on Sixth street. The 



to every known quarter of the globe 
and probably to every port in the 
world. A large portion of the manufac- 
tured product is exported showing the en- 
viable standing in which this reliable firm 
is held in foreign countries. The product 
is absolutely the best on the world's mar- 
ket and its demand is extensive. Robert 
Bishop, the father of young Robert 
Bishop, who to-day so ably manages the 
large business, was for many years a 
resident of South Boston and was held 
in the highest esteem by his neighbors 
and fellow citizens. Although no seeker 
for notoriety, he was selected to repre- 
sent his ward in the common council and 
performed his civil duty in the city 
governments of 186S and 1S70. He 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



177 



was a prominent member of the Catholic 
Union of this city and was noted for 
many noble deeds of charity. He after- 
wards moved from South Boston to 
Brookline where he passed away in 
1896. His loss has been universally 
felt in business circles. His son, Robert 
Bishop, on whom has devolved, in a 
great measure, the management of the 
business, as one of its trustees, was born 



The younger Bishop has maintained the 
reputation made by his father. The 
large trade both in this country and in 
foreign lands has been catered to under 
the successors of Robert Bishop and new 
customers have been added yearly on the 
books of the firm. An important forward 
movement has been made as regards the 
foreign trade which to-day is one of the 
largest carried on, and it can be said the 




THE LATE ROHERT KISHOP. 

in Brookline. His early education was 
secured in the schools of that town, 
terminating with the high school courses. 
He came to his father's factory in 1893 
and gradually acquainted himself with 
the workings of the entire plant. His 
natural ability, coupled with his educa- 
tion soon placed him in a position to 
assume management of the factory. 
Entire control came sooner than he 
expected, for he was only in the factory 
about three years when the death of his 
esteemed father opened up to him the ex- 
treme possibilities of entire management. 
The young man, who was so suddenly 
thrown in complete charge of the con- 
cern assumed the reins of government 
with all the grit and energy that made 
his father so successful a business man. 



ROBERT BISHOP. 

largest that is carried on by any firm in 
their line in the United States. The con- 
cern sells its product direct from its 
extensive factory, thereby avoiding the 
necessary re-handling of goods. The 
concern is also represented in New York 
City, by John Ellice of 250 Fulton 
street. Taken as a whole the fame of 
Robert Bishop will not easily fade from 
view. A young bright, energetic man, 
he developed a business which to-day is 
the leading one of its kind in the United 
States. It has proven of great value to 
this locality and has, in no small measure 
added much to the business history of 
South Boston. The citizens of the dis- 
trict fully value its existence here. The 
working class appreciate its value prob- 
ably more than anv other class, while the 



178 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



average business man has profited in no 
small degree from the revenues paid out 
weekly to its large force of employees. 
Since its inception the concern has made 
no backward movement and in this, the 
twentieth century, finds itself among the 
notable firms of the United States. 

W. P. STONE & CO. 

A time-honored concern of South 
Boston is W. P. Stone & Co.. 175 to 179 



by the late W. P. Stone. It was then 
located on Beverly street in small quar- 
ters. In 1859 the firm was removed to 
South Boston and time has seen it grow 
from small to large proportions, being 
now the largest in its line in South 
Boston. The establishment is well-known 
for the manufacture of large caravans, 
notably the large truck just completed 
for R. S. Brine & Co., which is forty- 
eight feet long, the largest of its kind in 
the world. It was manufactured espe- 




THE LATE W. P. STONE. 

First street. They occupy 2 1 ,000 square 
feet of land for the manufacture of 
wagons, caravans and sleds. It is a well 
ordered plant, three buildings covering 
three floors, each 25 x 100 feet in space. 
The storage and warehouse yards are 
directly opposite the manufactory and 
occupy 105 X 125 feet, both sides of the 
street being occupied. The firm has been 
in existence in South Boston since 1859 
and has added no little to the business 
history of South Boston. The house was 
originally established way back in 1841, 



W. p. STONE. 

cially for the trucking of the colossal 
girders for the Boston elevated railway 
structure. The concern manufactures 
all heavy work, in which line it has made 
a wide reputation. They have facilities 
for every kind of wagon and carriage 
repairing and painting. When originally 
started the firm gave employment to six 
men and the beginning of the twentieth 
century finds them giving employment to 
thirty hands. It was in 187 1 that Mr. 
Stone took his son, \V. P. Stone, Jr., into 
the concern. Young Mr. Stone practic- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



179 









ally assumed charge of the business and 
the father relied upon him for the man- 
agement of the business to the time of his 
decease in 1892. Mr. W. P. Stone the 
founder of the firm was born in North- 
boro, Mass., in 1814, he was educated in 
the schools of that section and, upon 
coming to Boston, he formed the concern 
which was his until he died. He came 
to South Boston in 1859 to live and 
resided in this district until his death. 
His life was devoted to his business and 
he had a strong interest, and was one of 
the most prominent factors in church 
work. His constant attention to the 
latter duties impressed his brother mem- 
bers of the congregation to the extent 
that he was made one of the standing 
committee of the South Baptist church. 
W. P. Stone who succeeded to the busi- 
ness upon the death of his father was 
born in Boston. His parents removed to 
South Boston when he was five years of 
age. His education was acquired in the 
local primary and grammar schools, after 
which he entered business in outside 
mercantile life. He spent five years in the 
mercantile field when he entered the em- 
ploy of his father. His natural ability at 
once asserted itself, and one year after 
entering the employ of his father he was 
admitted to a membership in the concern. 
Since the death of his father he has con- 
tinued the business under the old style 
adopted by his father. Honesty, thor- 
oughness and activity has been the motto 
learned by the young man from his father, 



W. p. Sl'ONE & CO. 

and this trio of recommendations has 
made the business what it is to-day. Mr. 
W. P. Stone is a careful, conscientious 
business man, imbued with the necessity 
of keeping up to the standard of products, 
and he has never wavered from the strict 
rules laid clown by his father nearly sixty 
years ago. Besides being one of the best- 
known business men in Boston he is also 
a prominent figure in social and fraternal 
life. He is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, 
F. & A. M. ; St. Mathew's Royal Arch 
Chapter; DeMolay Commandery, Knights 
Templar ; and Massachusetts Charitable 
Mechanics Association. He is also one of 
the board of trustees of the South Boston 
Savings bank. Although for many years 
a resident of South Boston he has, since 
1896, made his home in Dorchester. He 
is married, his wife being Lillian A. Uol- 
beare, the daughter of one of the oldest 
and most distinguished of South Boston's 
families. Mr. Stone typifies the success- 
ful business man. His products are 
manifestly in demand in all parts of 
Greater lioston and the capacity of the 
factory is tested in satisfying the calls for 
heavy vehicles, especially those used in 
transporting heavy steel and iron. The 
firm has done much for the advancement 
of South Boston in the business world. 

R. ESTABROOK'S SONS. 

R. Kstabrook's Sons, whose works are 
situated at the corner of First and C 
streets, are manufacturers of machinery, 



i8o 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



boiler and building castings, soil pipe 
and fittings, and wholesale dealers in 
bath tubs, copper and iron boilers and 
general plumbers' supplies, earthenware 
and brass work. The firm was estab- 
lished in January, 1874, by R. Estabrook 



moulders engaged, and all work is done 
with the aid of modern machinery. The 
goods carried in stock compose the best 
products of the market. The firm's busi- 
ness methods are in keeping with the 
rule of sterling commercial integrity and 



* 



•'1^ 




CITY IRON FOUNDRY, R. ESTABROOK S SONS. 



and son, E. L. Estabrook. The firm was 
then located on the opposite side of First 
street from the present plant. Where 
the firm is now located were then water 
privileges. The present firm, organized 
in 1892, at the death of the father, is 
composed of Messrs. E. L., G. L. and 
E. Estabrook, all are natives of Massa- 
chusetts. Their premises are fitted with 
a view to affording every facility in their 
particular line. 'J'he plant covers a space 
of 100 by 220 feet, or 22,000 square feet, 
and is fully equipped. They have two 
cupolas with a daily capacity of fourteen 
tons each and utilize steam ])ower. They 
have from twentv to thirtv skilled 



orders are filled promptly. The Messrs. 
Estabrook are members of the Plumbers' 
Supplies Association of New England. 

JAMES RUSSELL BOILER WORKS 
COMPANY. 

This company has extensive and busy 
works located at the corner of C and 
I'irst streets. The business was first 
started by James Russell, one of South 
Boston's best-known manufacturers, as 
far back as 1874. In 1879 Duncan D. 
Russell became his father's partner, and 
the concern was then known as James 
Russell (!v Son. The firm merged into 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



181 



an incorporated company in 1890, James 
Russell having since been president and 
Duncan 1). Russell, treasurer. The prod- 
uct of the works, during its existence 
here, has comprised innumerable difficult 
jobs of mechanical ingenuity, and foreign 
countries have been the recipients of 
many boilers, tanks, and other plate iron 
work emanating from this important 
manufacturing plant. The most import- 



work and engineers' and contractors' 
specialties are made by them. The 
reputation of the company and the em- 
anations of the works add no little to the 
distinction of South Boston as a manu- 
facturing center. The president of the 
concern took up his residence in South 
Boston in 1862 and resided here for 
fully thirty years. Although he never 
sought political honors he was none the 




INTERIOR OF JAMES RUSSELL 



ant piece of work issuing from there re- 
cently is the roof shield arch, weighing 
sixty tons, and now being used at the ex- 
cavating, before the concrete-roof is put 
in, at the East Boston tunnel, now being 
constructed for the Boston Transit Com- 
mission. A view of this colossal structure 
before being taken from the Russell 
works, is herewith presented. The work 
turned out at the James Russell Boiler 
Works comprises everything of the plate 
iron description and no contract is too 
difficult or problematical for the company 
to undertake and carry out. Boilers, 
tanks and plate iron work for sugar refin- 
eries, gas works, water works, locomotive 
boilers, tender tanks, railroad structural 



less an interested citizen, and, although 
residing in Dorchester, he still retains a 
deep interest in the welfare of the com- 
munity. Duncan D. Russell has, since 
the retirement of his father in 1900, 
assumed the entire management of the 
large business. He attended the Higelow 
school and his boyhood and business life 
have so far been spent here. With forty 
men and the large business now under 
his management he is one of the busiest 
of South Boston business men. 

GEORGE H. LINCOLN & CO. 

One of the time-honored business con- 
cerns of South Boston is Geo. H. Lincoln 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



& Co., iron founders, situated on Alger 
street. The plant covers 30,000 square 
feet of land. The foundry is 50x125 
feet and the pattern shop is 40 x 100 feet. 
The business of the concern has grown 
rapidly since it was started. The pro- 
duct of the foundry is in a great measure 
machinery castings, the demand for 
which has been quite large in recent 
years. The firm has an established repu- 



line of goods. Everything pertaining to 
the machinery trade is manufactured at 
this plant. Mr. Lincoln has been doing 
business on his own account since 1895. 
The foundry has proved a boon to South 
Boston and upwards of fifty hands secure 
steady employment. In business circles 
Mr. Lincoln is esteemed and honored. 
He is also well-known in fraternal circles 
being a member of Rabboni Lodge, F. & 




INTERIOR IRON KOUNDRV, GEORGE H. LINCOLN & CO. 



tation and numbers among its customers, 
some of the best known and most promi- 
nent firms in New England. Mr. Lincoln, 
is one of the best-known business men of 
Boston. His knowledge of the foundry 
business was acquired in his youth, when, 
after leaving school, he entered the em- 
ploy of the City Iron P'oundry on First 
near C street. It M'as in 1868 that he 
entered the employ of this firm. In 
1873, he determined to enter upon a 
business career under the firm name of 
R. B. Lincoln & Son, for the purpose of 
supplying a general line of machinery 
castings to the trade that calls for that 



A. M. ; Dorchester Royal Arch Chapter ; 
DeMolay Commandery, Knights Temp- 
lar ; Bethesda Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Mt. 
Washington Encampment, I.O.O. F. ; and 
the Old Dorchester club. 

LONG MACHINE CO. 

The Long Machine company is one 
of the latest additions to South Boston 
manufacturing. It occupies what is 
known as the old suspender factory at 
the corner of First and L streets. The 
building was purchased by Mr. Long in 
December, 1899, when the works were 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



183 



removed from East Boston. The build- 
ing contains four floors with a total of 
53,000 square feet, a portion of which 
only is occupied by the Long Machine 
Company. The company, of which J. H. 
Long is the head, employs about sixty 
hands, in busy seasons, and does a general 
machine business. Mr. Long is a native 
of Northfield. He is a practical ma- 
chinist and has a wide experience in all 
branches of the trade. He first started 
in business on High street in 1888, and 
in the winter of 1896-189 7 he erected ex- 
tensive buildings in East Boston which he 
occupied until last December. He is a 
thirty-third degree Mason and a former 
resident of South Boston. He brought 
his present business to South Boston after 
recognizing the advantages of this dis- 
trict as a manufacturing center. The 
building is situated in the heart of what 
is destined to become in a few years the 
busiest section of Boston, the foot of the 
new Summer street extension and near 
the L street bridge. The building con- 
tains four floors, each 40 x 1 40 feet. They 
are available for desirable manufacturing 
industries. The building, besides being 
centrally located, is well appointed and 




furnished with light and power. It is 
one of the best locations in Boston for 
both light and heavy manufacturing. 
Mr. Long's reputation in Boston and 
vicinity has always been of the best. 
Being thoroughly conversant with the 
machine trade of Boston and a practical 
machinist he has built up a business 
which stands well forward in his line. 




mai;hink co.mhanv, 

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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



185 




WORKS OF MURRAY & TRKGURTHA 




LAUNCH "SCIMITAR," 5 I FEE'!' LONG, 20 H. P. GASOLENE ENGINE. MURRAY & TREGURTHA COMPANY. 



1 86 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



SHALES & MAY. 

This important manufacturing plant 
has been in continuous operation in the 
present location since established by D. 
Shales & Company, in 1862. The goods 
manufactured by the present concern 
are not excelled, if equalled, by any of 



the high character of the business carried 
on. The plant is located at the corner 
of Dorchester and Newman streets, 
and comprises a two-story factory build- 
ing, seventy-five by 145 feet in di- 
mension, dry houses, storage sheds, 
yards, etc., and on the opposite side of 
Newman street the firm occupy a ware- 




ACTORV OF 



ALES \ MAV, 



REAR VIEW 



the few in this country engaged in the 
manufacture of high grade furniture, 
and bank and ofiice interior woodwork. 
Its product, being supplied to every 
quarter of the globe, adds greatly to the 
manufacturing fame of this district. 
The work at this factory requires the 
services of a class of mechanics who are 
none other than the highest skilled arti- 
sans ; and the beautiful pieces of carved 
furniture and other speciments of art in 
woodwork emanating from there show 



house for storage purposes. Since the 
start, so many years ago, the business of 
the firm has loeen on the steady increase 
and its name is a synonym to the trade 
for the best goods made in the world in 
its line. The original firm carried on 
the business under the name of D, 
Shales & Company until 1882, when the 
firm was changed to Shales & May, 
the individual members being Messrs 
I). Shales and R. May. In 1891, upon 
the regretted decease of Mr. D. Shales, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



187 



his interest was taken by his son, M. A. 
Shales, the business still continuing 
under the same firm name. The mem- 
bers of the concern have all been resi- 
dents of South Boston and have shown 
an active interest in its welfare, outside of 
that affecting their business. Mr. M. A. 
Shales was born in this district and has 



The innumerable tools for hand work 
are used with great skill by the mechan- 
ics, a majority of whom have been em- 
ployed by the firm for several yeacs and 
most of whom reside with their families 
in South Boston, thereby adding to the 
prosperity of this district. No little"of 
the success of this concern has been due 




IN'rKRIOR OF FACIORV, SHALKS \ MAV. 



always resided here. Mr. May, senior, 
is a native of Germany, but for many 
years has resided here and now has a 
home in Dorchester. Associated with 
the business also is Charles F. May, son 
Mr. R. May. He was also born in South 
Boston. 

A visit to the factory of this concern 
is both interesting and instructive. The 
plant is equipped with modern machinery 
run by sixty-horse power steam engines 
and every labor-saving device is at hand. 



to their talent as designers and reputation 
for strictly high grade and thoroughly 
made work. Fine modern and antique 
furniture, artistic interior wood-work for 
fitting up banks, offices, churches, and 
office buildings comprise the specialties 
of this concern. Always wide-awake and 
progressive, they hold an enviable name 
for their ability and valuable knowledge. 
This busy plant furnishes steady and re- 
munerative employment to from seventy- 
five to one hundred men. 



i88 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




P. CORCORAN & SON. 

This concern are the largest dealers 
and manufacturers of packing cases in 
this city. Their business is carried on 
all over the state. The demand for this 
class of goods has increased their busi- 
ness from small proportions to their 



present large establishment 
on D street opposite the 
Commonwealth park gym- 
nasium. The business was 
established in 1872 by P. 
Corcoran, and, in 1889, his 
son, George, became a mem- 
ber of the firm. In 1899 
it was incorporated, with 
Ceorge Corcoran, as presi- 
dent and treasurer. The 
factory covers 31,500 square 
feet of land and employs 
a number of hands, mostly 
residents of South Boston. 
In a year the firm uses about 
one million of feet lumber 
in the manufacture of packing cases. 
The original business was started on 
Batterymarch street. The demand for 
packing cases is great at all times and 
the sterling reputation of the concern is 
well known. Both the president and 
the founder of the concern ha\-e always 
resided in this vicinitv. 




DANIEL RUSSELL liOILKK WORK-S. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



MULLIN & COMPANY. 

Established over a score of years, this 
well-known coal dealing firm stands well 
in the front ranks of local business con- 
cerns. The firm originally consisted of 
Messrs. P. J. Mull in and James T. 
Tighe. The former well-known citizen 
died in 1888; his interest was then 
purchased by Mr. Tighe, who has since 



institutions, churches and large manu- 
facturing concerns are also supplied from 
these wharves with clean coal. The 
firm enjoys a high reputation for square 
and legitimate dealings with the public, 
and all patrons great and small are 
treated fairly. Mr. Tighe the present 
proprietor of this large coal business, 
resided in South Boston for a full half 
century, and has always identified him- 




WHARVES OF MULLIN .t CO. 



conducted the business alone under the 
same firm name. The wharves and 
main office are located on First street, 
at the foot of F street, where the concern 
occupies nearly an acre, enjoys the 
privileges of one hundred feet of water 
front and has coal sheds of a combined 
capacity of eight thousand tons. There 
is also a branch office at 331 I'ourth 
street. The business of the firm requires 
the services of twenty men and the use 
of fourteen horses. A large retail busi- 
ness is done and the teams of the concern 
are frequently seen delivering in sections 
remote from this district. Several public 



self with its best intere.st. He attended 
the old Hawes grammar school and is a 
vice-president of the Old Hawes School 
Boys' Association. Although now a resi- 
dent of Dorchester, he still retains his 
membership with the \South Itoston 
Citizens' Association, and is classed as 
one of the iiilliietuial men of this dislrict. 

MATTAPAN DEPOSIT & TRUST 
COMPANY. 

'I'his fmancial institution, which for a 
decade lias fiuMiished adequate facilities 
for the merchants and manufacturers of 



IQO 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON, 



this district, was 
inaugurated in 
1892. Its founder 
was Richard J- 
Monks who, since 
the organization of 
the company, has 
ably served as its 
president. The af- 
fairs of this bank 
are under the juris- 
diction of tlie sav- 
ing iDank commis- 
sioners and the in- 
stitution furnishes 
all the advantages 
of a national bank 
and, over a certain 
amount, interest is 
allowed on deposits 
as in a savings 
bank. Its capital 
has always been 
$100,000 and. since 
the doors of the 
bank w ere first 
opened for business 




MONKS BUILDING. MATTAPAN DEPOSIT & TRUST COMPANY. 

a s u r pi u s 
of o \- e r 
$ 43,000 
has accu- 
m u 1 a t e d . 
The insti- 
tution has 
made a no- 
ble record 
and has al- 
ways been 
possessed 
of a con- 
servative 
and able 
manage- 
ment. The 
quarters, in 
the Monks 
Building at 
the corner 
of Broad- 
way and E 
street, are 
equal in 
point of 




INTERIOR MATTAPAN DEPOSIT & TRUST COMPANY. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



191 



beauty, convenience and comfort to those 
of any Boston national or savings bank ; 
and the institution naturally and easily 
takes an important place in the business 
life of South Boston. By its charter the 
company is author- 
ized not only to re- 
ceive deposits sub- 
ject to check and 
transact a general 
banking business, 
but to act as trustee 
of estates and trust 
funds. Since July, 
1896, the bank has 
paid annual divi- 
dends of four per 
cent to its stockhold- 
ers. Its officers are 
all men prominently 
identified with large 
interests in South 
Boston. The last 
statement, December 
31, I goo, of the bank as follows speaks 
volumes for the able management of 
the institution : Resources, notes of cor- 
porations and individuals $243,453.45 ; 
demand notes $187,490; time loans with 



subject to check, $791,956.79 ; dividends 
unpaid, $2,000 ; certificates of deposit, 
$16,066.84; total $953,598.43. The offi- 
cers of the corporation are Richard J. 



Monks, president 




RICHARD J. MONKS, PRESIDENT. 
Photo, Piirdy. 



Ezra H. Baker first 
vice-president; Fran- 
cis C. Hersey, sec- 
ond vice-president ; 
George A. Tyler ; ac- 
tuary ; W. S. Fretch, 
Jr., assistant actuary. 
Directors : Richard 
J. Monks, Ezra H. 
Baker, George H. 
I5ond, David H. Coo- 
lidge, John F. Fal- 
vey, ISI. F. Gavin, 
Francis C. Hersey, 
Charles S. Judkins, 
Lawrence J. Logan, 
Hales W. Suter and 
(George A. T y le r . 
The president, Rich- 
ard J. Monks, one of 
Boston's leading capitalists, is a 
P. Monks, a resi- 
dent of South Boston at one time, and dur- 
ing his life the largest lumber merchant 
in New England, having extensive vards 



South 

son of the late John 





GEORGE A. TYLER, ACTUARY. 



•REl'CH, )R., ASSr. ACTUARY. 



collateral, $261,615.39; mortgage notes, 
$52,550 ; bonds, $57,375 ; cash on hand 
and in other banks, $151,114,59; totals, 
$953,598.43. Liabilities are as follows : 
capital stock, $100,000; surplus and 
undivided profits, $43,574.80; deposits 



on JMrst street. He was also president 
of the Broadway National Bank. The 
president of the Mattapan Deposit and 
Trust Company inherited the financial 
ability of his father and is one of the 
best-known men in Boston business 



192 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



circles. He has large interests outside 
of the bank. He has been employed in 
the care of corporations and trust com- 
panies for several years and still retains 
a deep interest in the welfare of South 
Boston. George A. Tyler, actuan,', who 
succeeded William H. Hidden Jr. was for 
fifteen years with Lee Higginson & 
Company, and is one of the most effi- 
cient financiers of Boston. His untiring 
efforts in behalf of the bank have been 
much appreciated both by the bank and 
the public. 

SOUTH BOSTON STORAGE WARE- 
HOUSE COMPANY. 

The South Boston Storage Warehouse 
Company occupies the historic old build- 
ing on the propert}- of the Boston 
Electric Light Company. First and L 
streets known as the Harrison Loring 
building. This building is probably as 
well known to South Bostonians as any 
structure in the district. Here it was 
that boats were equipped for the civil 
war and where the plates for the now 
famous cruiser Marblehead. were made 
ready for the hull of that vessel. The 
storage company was incorporated in 
1897 with Charles A. Snow as presi- 
dent, and L. M. Wallace as secretar\- 
and treasurer, the stockholders being 



connected with the Boston Electric 
Light Company. The offices of the 
company are at room 75, Ames Build- 
ing. This new enterprise and institu- 
tion in South Boston is of much value 
to the district and is greatly appreciated. 
The building has almost unlimited 
storage capacit}- and has been entire- 
ly remodelled and the interior made 
suitable for its purposes. Since the 
changes have been made the building 
contains one hundred and fifty rooms, 
with a capacity for double that number. 
These rooms have been prepared with 
care and offer unusual advantages for 
the storage of furniture. If the business 
demands, the compan)^ is prepared to 
build as many more rooms. For the 
insuring of furniture stored at their com- 
modious warehouse, the company offers 
more advantages than other warehouses. 
The best facilities and arrangements are 
offered, combining cheapness and safet}^ 
with extremely low rates of insurance. 
The building is so situated as to be suita- 
bly adapted for storing all furniture or 
articles of value. The building is in 
charge of Superintendent C. A. Peterson. 
He is always on the premises and at- 
tends to the wants of all patrons. The 
establishment fills a long-felt want in 
South Boston and is thoroughly appre- 
ciated. 




SOUTH BOSTON STORAGE WAREHOUSE. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



193 



J. F. & W. H. FALVEY. 

The new building at the corner of F 
street and Broadway, occupied by J. F. 
& W. H. Falvey, commands the atten- 
tion not alone of the people of South 
Boston but all visitors. It is a distinct ad- 
dition to the growing architectural beaut}- 
of the district and adds another jewel 



three stores were made one. The pass- 
ing of years and increase of business 
demanded larger quarters which have 
been secured in the magnificent building 
just erected by them and completed 
December, 1900. The new building is 
of Indiana limestone and cream pressed 
brick. Four floors and a basement, each 
tloor representing twelve thousand square 




iri<[[Kiffrl'f>lli|jji( 




lORK AND HLII.DING OK I. F. \- W. H. KAI.VEV. 



to South Boston's crown of success. 
The members of this enterprising firm, 
for several years leading residents of 
South Boston, were born in Foxboro, 
Mass. Their first business venture was 
made in a small way at 437 Broadway, in 
1882. This store was occupied until 
[885, when more commodious quarters 



were secured at 41 



Broadwav. where 



feet, give an idea of the facilities which 
the firm have for the conducting of their 
business. The store is finished with 
floors of maple, counters of ash and trim- 
mings of cherr}-. The stairways are 
modern in width and appearance and the 
building is the first retail store in South 
Boston of its line to have passenger 
elevator facilities. 



194 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



M. A. MURPHY. 

In the front ranks of the business con- 
cerns of this district a prominent place 
must be given to tlie well-known lirm of 
M. A. Murphy. The iirm consists of two 
brothers William H., James J. and sister, 
M. A. Murphy. They were born and 
have always lived in South Boston, and 
with a large number of personal friends, 
they are well-known to thousands of its 



one clerk and a small stock at 383 Broad- 
way. This beginning was made at a 
time when the prospects were any- 
thing but bright ; and their iirst year, 
known as a panic year, was certainly the 
most discouraging since 1872. Notwith- 
standing this they succeeded in laying 
the foundation on which they are build- 
ing a business which is a credit to South 
Boston and a source of pardonable pride 
to themselves. In a very short time the 




MURPHY'S NEW STORE. 



people. Their parents came here in 1865 
and purchased the property at 134 I 
street, still occupied by the family. After 
receiving good educations they entered 
upon their business career in the largest 
wholesale dry-goods house in New Eng- 
land and one of the largest in the world. 
Here they received a thorough training 
and formed a large acquaintance and 
were soon able to branch out for them- 
selves. 

This they did in 1895 when they 
opened an embryo department store with 



business became too large for the store, 
although every inch was utilized to the 
best advantage, compelling them to seek 
larger quarters. Fortunately learning 
that the big store at the corner of F 
street and Broadway was scxon to be \a- 
cated, they immediately and with char- 
acteristic promptness, secured the lease 
of the premises. This, their present 
store was fitted up in first-class style and 
tilled with a large and well selected stock 
divided into thirty departments and, al- 
thouiih it is tive times the size of the old 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



^95 




W. H. MURFHV. 



JAMES J. MURPHY. 



Store, it is thought that it will be only a 
question of a very short time when it too 
will be inadequate to the demands upon 
it. The thousands of their old customers, 
who submitted so patiently to the incon- 
venience made unavoid- 
able by the always 
crowded state of the 
old store, have been 
added to by large num- 
bers of the residents 
of South Boston and 
Dorchester who find 
the tiresome shopping- 
trip to the city un- 
necessary. With Mur- 
phy's progressive store 
and modern methods so 
handy, they can now 
shop " at home " as 
satisfactorily. T heir 
force of employees, 
which consists of from 
thirty to fifty bright 
young men and women 
of this section, have a 
reputation for courtesy 



and good nature which is a very attrac- 
tive feature of the business. The career of 
this young concern is a striking example 
of what industry and perseverance will do 
when combined with scrupulous honesty. 




FORMER STORK O 



M. A. MIKHHY, 



196 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



GEORGE M. KREY. 

This energetic business man of South 
Boston was born and brought up at the 
North End of Boston and first saw hght 




(;e()R(;e m. krkv. 

of day in 1869. He was educated at 
the Elhot and Enghsh high schools. He 
is a son of George M. Krey, who for over 
half a century has been 
in the department store 
business in Boston. 
The subject of this 
sketch entered his 
father's store, then on 
Fleet street, at the age 
of fifteen. Later they 
engaged in the whole- 
sale hat business and 
finally carried on no 
less than ten branch 
stores in Boston. One 
of these was the store 
now owned by Mr. Krey 
at 158 to 162 Broadway, 
and n(nv carried on by 
him as the 1 e a d i n g 
men's furnishing and 
hat store of the dis- 
trict, which has been a 
hat store for over thirty 



years. This store, formerly known as 
^lurter's, was taken in hand fourteen 
years ago. Since that time the business 
has been largely increased, necessi- 
tating cutting through and taking in 
the adjoining store, and he now occu- 
pies the whole building. Five years ago 
Mr. Krey married and removed to South 
Boston and has since been active in pub- 
lic and social affairs, being a member of 
about a dozen organizations, including 
the Citizens' Association and South 
Boston Yacht Club. The South Boston 
store comprises but a small part of his 
business operations as he has also for 
some years managed Krey's large depart- 
ment store located at 327 to 331 Wash- 
ington street. He is also in the music 
publishing business and the head of the 
Standard Music Co. and is interested in 
other enterprises. His business and 
social relations here, having been of a 
pleasing nature, he may well be classed 
as one who has a genuine regard for the 
best interests of the district, and one in 
whom the subject of South Boston touches 
a tender spot. His store is one of the 
best-known and patronized in the fur- 
nishing goods line in South Boston, and 
is conducted upon modern business ])rin- 
ciples, and its patrons comprise a large 
number of the young men of the district. 




STORE OF OEORCE M. K.REV, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



197 



MILLS D. BARBER. 

A singularly successful grocer and 
provision dealer of South Boston is Mills 
D. Barber, who conducts two stores at 
City Point. He has been engaged in 
business in this immediate vicinity since 
December, 1888. In one-half of one of 
his present stores, that located at 719 
East Sixth street, he made his start in a 
modest way as a member of the firm of 
Gushing & Barber. After one year suc- 
cessfully serving the people of City Point, 
the firm became Barber & Locke. 
During the past three years Mr. Barber 
has conducted the business alone. The 
expansion of Mr. Barber's undertakings 
shows that his honorable dealings and 
progressive methods are appreciated by 
the buying public in South Boston and 
elsewhere. Mr. Barber's trade is not 
confined to South Boston, as he supplies 
many families in Dorchester, where his 
teams are as familiar as in this district. 
During the summer season his stores are 
patronized extensively by the many 
yachtsmen of Dorchester Bay. Mr. Bar- 
ber was born in Fairlee, Vermont, and 
was educated in the Bradford Academy, 
Vermont and Offord Academy, New 
Hampshire. He left home at the age 
of twenty-one and his first situation 
was on the South Boston horse car line. 





RESIDKNCE OF MII.I.S D. I'.ARBER. 



MILLS D. BARKER. 

Photo, Ayer. 

He then entered a grocery store, as a 
clerk. Three years- later, by economy 
and perseverance, he started for himself. 
Three years ago he erected his present 
handsome residence and stable on Fourth 
street which commands a full view of the 
harbor. Both are models of modern 
architecture. The enlarging of his busi- 
ness has brought with it an increase of 
his store force which to-day numbers 
fourteen clerks and three bookkeepers; 
Five teams are required to call for and 

deliver the orders 

daily. Mr. Barber is 
a m e m b e r of the 
South Boston Citizens' 
Association ; (iate of 
the Tcnii:)lc Lodge, 
1". .^ A. M. ; Shaw- 
nuit Commandery, 
Knights Templar; 
United Order C.olden 
Cross; lioston Retail 
(Grocers' Association 
and the South Bos- 
Ion \'acht Club. This 
cMitcrprising d c a le r 
lias nuulc a great suc- 
crss in local business 
c i r c 1 e s , and it is a 
success that is in every 
way worthy and well- 
merited. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



LEWIS BROS. 

Among the adopted residents of South 
Boston who stand high in business and 
social circles, are Daniel and James 
Lewis, the well-known carpenters and 
builders. They are of Welsh descent 
and of an old distinguished family of the 
parish of Berkeley in what is known as 
the tithing of Alkington division, county 
of Gloucester, England. Daniel was born 
April 14, 1841 : James, September 29, 
1 85 I. Both served their apprenticeship 
at the carpentering trade in the old 
English school, where evervthing was 



being well and favorably known for their 
honest and thorough work. Both are 
members of St. Paul's Lodge of F. & A. 
M.; South Boston Citizens' Association ; 
and Mattapanock Lodge, Knights of 
Honor ; James being a past dictator of 
the latter and ex-governor of Mount 
Washington Colony of Pilgrim Fathers. 
He was a member of the old Lincoln 
Guards, doing service at the great Boston 
fire in 1872. Leaving South Boston for 
two years to work on Wellesley College, 
and returningin 1 882 , he was employed by 
the ( )ld Colony Railroad Co. Daniel was 
married in 1866 in St. Luke's parish 




DANIEL LKWIS. 

taught in a thorough manner. At the 
close of the civil war Daniel saw what 
he thought to be a rare chance for a 
young man to start out in life. Acting on 
his impulses he left England and came 
to South Boston. James came in 1870. 
Both were employed by the firm of 
Holbrook & Harlow, located on what is 
now the site of St. Vincent's church. 
Daniel remained with the firm until 1882, 
when he bought out the business of the 
late W. ^'. iJail. A year later James 
united with him, forming the present firm 
of Lewis Bros., located at the present 
time at 163 F street. The firm are mosllv 
engaged in the jobbing business and 
have continued ever since with success. 



jAMKS r.EWlS. 

church, at Ik'dniinster, liristol. England, 
to Miss Elizabeth Roberts of that place, 
two sons were born to them, Clement G. 
and W. R., the latter died in infancy, a 
short time after his mother. Mr. Lewis was 
married a second time to Miss Susan 
I'rquhart formerly of Londonderry, N. S. 
On March 10, 1893 he was elected a dea- 
con of Phillips church, to fill a vacancy 
caused by the death of the late Choate 
Burnham, and still holds that oifice. He 
was also one of the founders of Phillips 
chapel in 1874. James was married to 
Miss Isabella C. Thompson of South 
Pjoston. Eight children have blessed 
their union, seven of whom, one boy 
Cyrus Carter, and six girls, are now living, 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



199 



In religion Daniel is a Congregationalist 
and James an Episcopalian; in politics 
both are Republicans, and always inter- 
ested in whatever pertains to the best 
interest of South Boston. The history 
of Lewis Bros, is well known to the older 
residents, who have followed their prog- 
ress with much interest. Family records 
are found in Berkeley and Hawkesbury 
Upton parish churches, England. 

HENRY C. BISPHAM. 

The oldest druggist in South Boston. 
Henry C. Bispham, is one of the best 
known men of this district and conducts 
an extensive business at 472 Broadway. 
Thirty-six years ago Mr. Bispham com- 
menced business with George P. Brooks, 
at the corner of Fourth street and Dor- 
chester avenue. Five years later he 
continued business alone at the corner 
of Fourth and D streets, where he 
remained for ten years, after which he 
disposed of his interest in that location 
and opened a new store at his present 
location, where he has been for twenty- 
one years. Early in life he attended the 
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, 
and his establishment has always main- 
tained a reputation for accuracy in tilling 



prescriptions. Mr. liispham is a native of 
Dorchester, and was born in 1846. His 
family is an old one in that locality. 
His father was connected with the J31ue 
Hill National Bank for fifty years and 
up to the time of his death was presi- 
dent of that well-known bank. Mr. Bisp- 
ham has been a member of the Odd 
Fellows for thirty-one years ; and is a 
member of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M.; 
St. Matthews Chapter, St. Omer Com- 
mandery. Knights Templars and Aleppo 
Temple, M. S. He was for a mmiber 
of years a trustee of the Massachusetts 
College of Pharmacy. He is proprietor 
of several staple medicinal preparations 
of repute and merit. He was a resident 
of South Boston for thirty-two years and 
later moved to Dorchester, but is at 
present a large property owner here. He 
has always been interested in the welfare 
of the district. 

CLARENCE HALLETT. 

Clarence Hallett, the well-known sta- 
tioner and newsdealer has been a resi- 
dent of South Boston for the past fifteen 
years. During that time he has success- 
fully managed a growing business and 
stands in the front ranks of the energetic 
business men of this district. He was 
born in ^'armouthport, Mass., tiftv-two 




HKNRY C. msPHAM. 



CI.ARKNCK HAM.K/ 



200 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



years ago, and received his early educa- 
tion in the schools of his native place and 
the Middleboro Academy. Some years 
ago he was engaged in the piano business 
in this city; but in 1884 he established 
himself in this district at 675 Broadway. 
Ten years ago he purchased the business 
of A. G. Pike, then located at 365-367 
Broadway. From a small beginning his 
business has increased to generous pro- 
portions. His two stores are considered 
the leading ones of the district for a per- 
fect line of stationery, fancy goods, sport- 
ing goods and fireworks. He owns 
considerable real estate in this section, 
is an active member of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association and is afifiliated with 
the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. Close application to 
business and a thorough study of the 
wants of his large trade have made him 
a successful business man and one who 
has earned a prominent name in South 
Boston business circles. 

CHARLES H. ADAMS. 

One of the leading house furnishers of 
South Boston is Charles H. Adams who 
conducts a large business in the historic 
old church building at the corner of A 
street and Broadway, where, for many 
years, the services of the Phillips church 
were held. Mr. Adams was born in 
Ludlow, Vt., and, after receiving a prac- 
tical education, came to South Boston, 
about thirty years ago. He entered the 
store of O. Adams & Son, the senior 
Adams being a great-uncle of the subject 
of this sketch. Mr. Adams remained 
with this concern, growing up with the 
business from clerk to proprietor. In 
1879, with his brother-in-law, A.J.Adams, 
the firm of C. H. & A. J. Adams, so 
familiar to the older residents of South 
Boston, was established. Five years ago, 
Mr. Adams acquired his ])artner\s interest 
and has since conducted the store under 
the name of C. H. Adams & Co. The 
building occupied is seventy-five feet 
by eighty feet and contains four floors 
thoroughly supplied with medium-priced 
furniture, carpets, housefurnishings and 
a general stock of goods for furnishing 



the home. Since starting in business Mr. 
Adams has met with continued success. 
The business has increased steadily with 
a trade extending within a radius of 
several miles. It is a known fact that he 
sells goods at prices lower than stores in 
the city proper, where high rents and high 
salaried clerks take a large portion of the 




CHARI.es H. ADAMS. 

JVioto, Purdv. 



profits. He is a resident of South 
Boston and to-day is one of the most 
interested citizens of the district. 



HORACE N. HATCH. 

One of the leading men of this district 
is Horace N. Hatch, who is engaged in 
the plumbing and hardware business at 
130 Broadway. He was born in Jefter- 
son, Maine, and learned the trade of a 
plumber and tinsmith in 1 )aniariscotta. 
In 1866 he came to South l>oston and 
went to work for S. F. Thompson. Later 
he went to Cambridge where he was em- 
ployed for two years at his trade. He 
later returned to South Boston, and with 
his brother, M. L. Hatch, purchased the 
business of his former employer. Two 
years later he bought out his brother's 
interest and has continued with success 
to the present time. He conducts a large 
hardware, heating, plumbing and general 
jobbing business and gives employment 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



20I 



to from twelve to eighteen men. He has 
also become interested in real estate and 
is one of the large taxpayers of the dis- 
trict. He is a member of the South 
Boston ('itizens' Association ; Bethesda 
Lodge and Mt. Washington Encampment, 
I. O. O. F. ; St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. 
M. ■ St. Mathew's Royal Arch Chapter 



Mutual Life Insurance Company and 
several fire and liability companies. He 
is an active Republican and was a candi- 
date for the House of Representatives 
from Ward 15 in 1900. Mr. Kershaw is 
a charter member of the South Boston 
Aid Association and since its organiza- 
tion has been successively honored with 




HORACE N. HATCH. 

and St. Omer Commandery, Knights 
Templar and is a thirty-second degree 
Mason. He has not been in active poli- 
tics, Txor a seeker for office, but was 
elected member of the Ward 15 Republi 
can committee for 1901. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Georgie D. League of Da- 
mariscotta, Maine, and three children 
have been the result of the union, but one 
of whom, Walter H. Hatch, now a man 
grown, is living. 

ROBERT KERSHAW. 

( )iie of the influential business men of 
this district is Robert Kershaw. He was 
born in Bury, Lancashire, England and 
came to America in 1889. He has been 
in business in South Boston ever since 
that time. His business in this district 
embraces the South Boston collection 
agency, district agency Dominion Atlan- 
tic Railway and Yarmouth Steamship 
companies ; he is also agent for the Lnion 



ROBERT KERSHAW. 
P/ioio, Cassili. 

the office of financial secretary. He 
joined John Bright Lodge 403, Sons of 
St. George at its organization, and was 
chosen president for two years. He was 
appointed grand sentinel of the grand 
lodge in 1896, and passed through all 
the chairs, being elected grand president 
in 1899. He is also a member of the 
South lioston Citizens' Association. He 
was a trustee of the Victorian Diamond 
Festival and conducted a large chorus of 
children at the \'ictorian Jubilee Festival 
in Mechanics building in 1897. He has 
been a member of the Harvard church 
quartette of Charlestown for ten years, 
and its director for nine years, previous 
to which tinu' lif sang in St. Mathews 
church of this district. lie is identified 
with main' societies in iloston. 



SYDNEY J. OLPIN. 

A veteran carpenter and builder, and 
resident of South Boston for the past 



202 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



thirty-four years, is Sydney J. Olpin. He 
was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 
1837. After a practical schooling he spent 
seven years as an apprentice at his trade 
in England, coming to this country in 
1866. He entered the employ of Hol- 
brook & Harlow. Eighteen years ago 
he commenced business for himself and 
has worked on several of the leading 
buildings of South Boston, earning a high 
reputation for his thorough work. He is 
connected with the United Order of the 
Golden Cross and is also a member 
of the South Boston Citizens' Associa- 



JAMES P. TANCRED. 

A leading plumber of South Boston is 
James P. Tancred, who, for a quarter of a 
century, has plied his vocation in this 
district. He has been located in busi- 
ness for himself in his present quarters 
for twenty years. He carries a large 
stock of stoves, ranges, and furnaces, and 
has at all times an eificient corps of experi- 
enced plumbers in whom he places the 
greatest confidence. Mr. Tancred is con- 
sidered one of the most practical men in 
drainage matters in Boston. His wide 




SYDNEY J. OLPIN. 

Photo, Cassill. 

tion. Mr. Olpin is a prominent member 
of the Phillips Congregational church, 
having been a teacher in the Sunday- 
school for several years. Since coming 
to Boston he has made his residence in 
South Boston, with the exception of 
three years spent in Jamaica Plain and 
two years in Somerville. He was mar- 
ried in 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Sarah 
Wescombe, at Bristol, England. They 
have had six children born to them, three 
of whom are now living : John Sydney, 
Walter Wescombe and Bessie Joyce. Mr. 
Olpin has for many years resided on 
Eighth street. He is a man of sterling 
integrity combined with strict temperance 
principles. 



JAMES p. TANCRED. 

experience in ventilation and sanitary 
plumbing has made for him a name which 
holds well in this community. His estab- 
lishment is always a busy one. During 
the many years he has been catering to 
the wants of the people of South Boston 
he has made his work satisfactory. He 
has done much important work in South 
Boston and vicinity, a feature of his line 
being remodelling the plumbing of resi- 
dences, which work he has done to a 
great extent. Pie has lent his coopera- 
tion in matters of importance relating to 
this district. He is a member of the 
Master Plumbers Association of Boston, a 
body that stands high in the circles of mas- 
ter mechanical organizations of this city. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



203 



JOHN HOG AN. 

One of the prosperuus men of South 
Boston, and one who holds an enviable 
reputation in real estate and general 
business circles is John Hogan. He has 
always held a prominent position in the 
public eye, and his methods of dealing 
with all have made him popular, not 
alone in South Boston, but in 
a large portion of the metro- 
politan district. Mr. Hogan 
does a large business in South 
Boston ; but his transactions 
are not confined to this dis- 
trict alone. He has manipu- 
lated many extensive deals in 
real estate all through New 
England. For twenty-five 
years Mr. Hogan has been a 
resident of South Boston and 
his career during that period 
has been marked by a his- 
tory of strict integrity and 
square business dealings. Mr. 
Hogan possesses a thorough 
knowledge of the value of 
real estate properties ; the 
smallest tenement house and 
the largest business block are 
easily within the scope of 
his keen judgment and can 
be appraised by him with 
accuracy. As a public- 
spirited citizen he bears a 
name of which any might 
well feel proud. During his 
long residence in this section 
he has been identified with 
many important transactions 
that have tended to increase 
the standing of South Bos- 
ton. It may be said that he was one 
of the originators of the idea of selling 
houses on easy monthly payments, thus 
enabling those of moderate means to 
occupy a home and at the same time pay 
for it. Mr. Hogan also stands high as 
an auctioneer and represents fourteen 
companies as an agent of fire and plate 
glass insurance. Mr. Hogan occupies a 
high social position in South Boston. 
His genial disposition and manner of 
good fellowship make him po]nilar witli 



all with whom he comes in contact. He 
is past regent of Winthrop Council, R. A. ; 
past chief ranger of St. Michael's Court, 
Massachusetts Catholic Order of Fores- 
ters, and past chief ranger. Bay State 
Court, Ancient Order of Foresters. For 
several years he was one of the principal 
officers of the Knights of St. Rose. He 
is also a member of the Mosquito Fleet 




Yacht Club, the South Boston Citizens' 
Association, Mt. Washington Lodge, A. 
O. U. \V., and Robert Fulton Council K. 
of C. 

CHARLES H. CAREW. 

The success of Charles II. Carew. the 
well-known restaurateur and confectioner 
presents a shining example of South 
Boston pluck and energy. He was born 
in South Boston. October 12, i860, and 



204 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




CAREW S RESTAURANT. 



attended the Lincoln grammar and Bos- 
ton Latin schools. At the age of sixteen 
he left home to learn the printers' trade 
in New York. He learned the trade 
of compositor and, after four years, he 
returned to Boston and secured employ- 
ment on the mechanical force of the 
Boston "Courier." Later he became 
proofreader on the Boston "Star." He 
then served six years in the mechanical 



department of the Boston "Herald." This 
was the end of his career in the print- 
ing business, for over six years ago he 
launched into the restaurant business in 
a small way. The growth of his busi- 
ness has been apparent to all in South 
Boston. So rapidly has the business 
increased that to-day finds him the pro- 
prietor of the largest and most successful 
dining-room in this district. The estab- 




CAREW S SU!M!\IKR PALM CARDEN. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



205 



lishment is open night and day 
for the accommodation of the 
public. April, 1900, Mr. Carew 
determined to spread his busi- 
ness and purchased the ice 
cream and confectionery busi- 
ness of Edwin D. Barber, which 
for years had been one of the 
leading stores in South Boston 
where the best grades of con- 
fectionery were to be found. 
May I, he commenced exten- 
sive alterations of the premises 
and constructed in the rear of 
the store, the famous palm gar- 
den, known as Carew Hall, the 
most attractive ice cream par- 
lor in Boston. During winter 
seasons this is used as a public 
hall for parties and entertain- 
ments. All modern appliances are at 
hand for the manufacture of select 
grades of candies and ice cream. Mr. 




CAREW S COXFECriONKRY STORE. 

J. W. Stephens, who was the leading insur- 
ance agent of this district and who came 
to South Boston in 1855. The subject of 







^,, -J^^ "'^ 




CHARLES H. CAREW. 

Carew is interested in South Boston real 
estate and is a member of the South 
Boston Citizens' Association. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM STEPHENS. 

Captain William Stephens, one of the 
most active members of tlie South Boston 
Citizens Association, is the son of the late 



tliis sketch was liorn in South lioston and 
attended the Lincoln school. The young 
inan had a liking for the sea and at the 
age of twenty was one of the youngest 
sailing masters on the New England 
coast. He was first master of the bark 
A. Houghton, which sailed from Boston 
to Sierra Leone, West Africa. He then 
commanded the barks Bolivia, Emma E. 



2o6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Herriman, Julia K. Haskell, Alber- 
tina and the Horace Scudder. Fif- 
teen years ago he retired from the 
seafaring life and for five years was 
a conductor on the old South Boston 
railroad which in those days operated 
horse cars. Ten years ago he was 
placed in charge of the Otis D. Dana 
estate and has ever since looked after 
the business with extreme vigilance. 
He is a Republican and takes a deep 
interest in politics, being chairman of 
the ward committee from 1897 to 
1900. He is a member of St. Paul's 
Lodge, F. & A. M., Ancient Order 
United Workmen, New England 
Order of Protection. He has always 
been held in the highest esteem by 
the fellow members of the organiza- 
tions of which he is a member, and 
has assisted the Citizens' Associa- 
tion on committees of importance. 

JOHN C. NEAL. 

A reliable grocer of South Boston, 
is John C. Neal, whose well-known 
store is located at the corner of Dor- 
chester and National streets. Mr. Neal's 
standing in South Boston business circles 
needs no better statement than the fact 
that he has been located in the same store 
for twenty-seven years, which is the long- 




I^Kir''- 


i_ *|| 


^m 




r' 





INTERIOR OF J. C. NEAL & CO. S STORE. 



JOHN C. NEAL. 

est period any grocer in this distict has 
been located in one store. He is therefore 
not only one of the oldest merchants in 
South Boston but one who has always 
had a high standing in South Boston bus- 
iness circles. Mr. Neal 
came to Boston thirty 
years ago from the 
t o w n o f Newcastle, 
N. H. Before attain- 
ing his majority he 
engaged in business 
with a young com- 
panion, under the firm 
name of Neal & Thom- 
as. The twain had no 
practical experience in 
the grocery business 
and it was only their 
rough country educa- 
tion that stood for the 
young men in their 
early business career. 
'!" h e }• continued in 
business for thirteen 
years. Mr. Neal con- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH JiOSTON. 



>o7 



tinuecl business after the partnership 
had been dissolved and he has to this 
day maintained a reputation for being 
honorable in all his dealings and pro- 
viding only the best class of goods the 
market affords for his select line of cus- 
tomers. His store is the acme of 
perfection in neatness and highly attrac- 
tive at all times, Mr. Neal's endeavor 
is to satisfy his customers, 
a trait that never fails to 
please even the most fasti- 
dious. Mr. Neal is interested 
in many societies, he is a 
director in the Boston Re- 
tail Grocers' Association 
and a member of Rabboni 
Lodge, F. & A. M.; Ancient 
Order United Workmen ; 
Pilgrim Fathers ; New Eng- 
land Order of Protection 
and was a charter member 
of Pow Wow Tribe, Im- 
proved Order of Red Men. 
Mr. Neal at the present time 
is a resident of Mattapan 
where he has a beautiful 
home. He is an active 
member of the Norfolk Uni- 
tarian Society, a body well- 
known in church circles 
throughout Massachusetts. 
This merchant has always 
been interested in the wel- 
fare of South Boston. • 

J. C. TIBBETTS. 

One of the leading grocers 
of South Boston is J. C. Tib- 
bets, whose standing in tiiis 
community is most excellent. 
He conducts a prosperous business at 
the corner of B street and Broadway. 
Mr. Tibbetts was born in Essex, but his 
parents removed to Hamilton when he 
was an infant, where he spent his boy- 
hood days ; and, after receiving a prac- 
tical education, he entered mercantile 
life, in a grocery store at Hamilton, at 
the age of twelve years, Mr. Tibbetts 
now owning the land upon which stood 
the store. He spent six years in that 
thriving country store at Hamilton, when 



he determined to come to Boston. His 
tirst application for a position was in -the 
old store of \\'. B. Mendum, where he 
served his employer faithfully for a period 
of four years. Strict economy and popu- 
larity with the trade enabled him then to 
engage in business for himself. Since his 
first engaging in business for himself he 
has continued successfully without inter- 




ruption to the present day. Although a 
young man in appearance, he has been 
engaged in business since 1869, when he 
established his first store at 185 Fourth 
street. At the end of three years his 
business had assumed such proportions 
that he was obliged to seek new quarters 
and he mo\-ed to the store at the corner 
of B and Fourth streets, nearly opposite 
his first stand. He continued to prosper 
in this place of business until 1893. when 
he removed to the present prominent loca- 



208 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



tion at the corner of B street and Broad- 
way. Mr. Tibbetts has ahvays been looked 
to as one always square in his business 
methods, and to-day retains trade that 
came to him in his early business career. 
His place of business is thoroughly 
stocked, and customers express them- 
selves as never having been disap- 
pointed with either his goods or business 
methods. He is one of the most interested 
citizens in the welfare of South Boston 
and has added his full quota in benefit- 
ting the locality in which he resides. He 
is a member of the South Boston Citizens' 
Association ; a founder of the Boston Re- 
tail Grocers' Association ; a past grand 
of Tremont Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was 
a district deputy of the Grand Lodge for 
five years. He is also a member of Mas- 
sasoit Encampment, L O. O. F. ; and 
an associate member of Dahlgren Post, 
G. A. R. Mr. Tibbetts is a Republican 
in politics. He is a faithful attendant 
of Phillips Congregational church. His 
career is one that adds lustre to the his- 
tory of Sovith Boston. His long con- 
nection with this district has made him 
one of the popular business men. In 1873 
he was united in marriage with Vera A. 
Grover of Foxboro, Mass., and two chil- 
dren have blessed their union. Alva G. 
who is now associated with his father at 
the store, and John C. Tibbetts now de- 
ceased. 

EDWARD W. BARRY. 

Nearly a half century of successful 
business life Edward W. Barry has 
rounded out in the peninsular district. 
Another half century of life may be his if 
the longevity of his paternal ancestry 
is borne out in him. He was born in 
Ireland, near the Lakes of Killarney in 
the county of Kerry, November 22, 1835, 
he attended the brothers' school at the 
monastry in Killarney until he reached 
the age of fifteen when he was attracted ro 
America and sought a home and fortune 
here. His first employment in this 
country was at Weston, Mass., where he 
began life as an apprenticed baker with 
compensation of fifty cents a week and 
board. Three years later he came to 




HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



209 



South Boston and took the position of 
foreman for Samuel Newmarch whose 
business was at the corner of 4th and C 
streets. A few years later he began his 
prosperous business career by starting a 
baking establishment in a humble way 
on Northampton street ; and, subse- 
quently, with increasing growth, he moved 
to Harrison avenue ; where is now the 
residence of the Archbishop 
of Boston at the rear of the 
Cathedral of the Holy Cross. 
About the beginning of the 
War of the Rebellion Mr. 
Barry came to South Boston 
again, and opened his baking 
business in a new building 
which he ei'ected between C 
and D streets, on F o u r t h 
street. Success seemed to 
meet his eveiy endea\-or and 
soon his wares became known 
to the people of Boston and 
to this day the old families of 
the Peninsula and the South 
and North Ends, and Dor- 
chester well remember " Bar- 
ry the Baker." In the early 
seventies there were three of 
his bakeries in South Boston 
and six teams were kept busy 
supplying his trade through- 
out this city. The public in- 
stitutions and other places 
were numbered among his 
patrons and to-day, still acti\e 
in business, he retains as his 
customers several large con- 
sumers, notably the Massa- 
chusetts Eye and Ear Infirm- 
ary and Suffolk county jail. /'/,„/,>, oiss, 
In 1880 Mr. Barry erected a 
block at the corner of Mercer and Eighth 
streets and there removed his business, 
while still retaining possession of his tirst 
South Boston property holdings, which he 
had increased largely, and which he still 
owns. About this time he branched out in 
the horse sale and boarding and carriage 
stable business under the hrm name of 
Barry & Locke; but this he discontinued 
after a few years and devoted his time to 
his baking interests. Mr. Barry's onlv 
hobby in life has been good horses niui 



he has raised some of the fastest ever 
bred in the East. Among them were 
Belle Wilkes and Foxy, for which he 
refused SS,ooo. He now owns the fam- 
ous pacer Dandy ()., 2.1 1, the only twelve 
heat race winner living. Mr. Barn,- has 
taken a lively interest in politics in South 
Boston and was one of the early organ- 
izers of the Democratic part}- in this city. 




K. w. i;akrv. 

in 1S74 he represented old Ward 7, now 
Ward 13, in the common council, when 
men now high in national and state 
affairs sat in that body. He has since 
served only as a member of the ward and 
city connnittee in both Wards 13 and 15 
and on delegations to conventions; as 
he lias refused to accept other public 
offices tendered him. Mr. Barry is at 
present connected with several fraternal 
and benevolent organizations, though not 
as man\- as in earlier vears, when he was 



2IO 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the active head of the first South Boston 
athletic club and was president of the 
American Association of Hibernians. 
Mr. Barry's wife's maiden name was 
Miss Sarah Shea who came from an old 
and honored Irish family. His great- 
grandmother was the original Kate 
Carney, of whom poets and men of re- 
nown in both England and Ireland have 
written. His mother who still survives, 
and is hearty and well at one hundred, 
was of the famous family of Burkes. 
Mr. and Mrs. Barry have four children 
living. Thomas Jackson Barry, leader 
,of the Suffolk bar on theatrical laws and 
•contracts, Mrs. D. H. Cram of New York 
one of the few women contractors in 
America, Edward P. Barry president of 
the Inquirer Publishing Company and 
Wm. A. Barry a professor of music. 

ELBRIDGE H. GROVER. 

One of the oldest business men of 
South Boston is Elbridge H. Grover. He 
is one of the best-known druggists of 
this section, and a citizen who has 
always been held in the highest esteem. 
Mr. Grover was born in Newton Upper 
Falls where he attained his early educa- 
tion, afterwards attending a commercial 
colles:e in Boston. His mercantile life 





GROVER BLOCK. 



ELBRIDGE H. GROVER. 

was commenced in Boston, where, as a 
young man, he received his first insight 
into business life. In the Civil War he 
served with credit as an ofticer in the 
navy with the fleet commanded by the 
famous Admiral Farragut. He served 
on the Arkansas, Admiral and Augusta 
Dinsmore. In 1868 he came to South 
Boston and entered the employ of 
Howe & Nelson, then a well-known firm 
on Broadway near E street, as a clerk. 
He was afterwards employed by Dr. 
Gardner of Merrimac street and later by 
Levi Dodge of Charlestown. Mr. Grover 
launched into business for himself and 
purchased the store of William C. Jen- 
kins, at the corner of B and Fourth 
streets, which he has conducted with 
success to the present day. The build- 
ing, at the time of its purchase was a two 
and a lialf-story structure, and it was in 
1S70 that it came into possession of 
Mr. Grover. In 1880 he tore down the 
old building and, in its place, erected a 
four-story brick building which added 
much to the architectural ornamentation 
of this district. During his business 
life in South Boston, Mr. Grover has 
been held in high esteem by the 
people of South Boston, and has occupied 
a place high in the ranks of the business 
men of this district. He is well-known 
among the older residents of this dis- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



trict as a reliable business man, honest 
in all his dealings and true to his friends. 
He is a member of several organizations, 
including the Massachusetts College of 
Pharmacy ; St. Omer Comniandery, 
Knights Templar ; the Kearsarge Associ- 
ation of naval veterans, and the Ancient 
and Honorable Artillery Company. 

TAYLOR BROTHERS. 

The business carried on by Taylor 
Brothers, wholesale and retail dealers in 



Me., Februaiy i6, 1859. His childhood 
was passed in Bangor, Me., and Auburn- 
dale, Mass. where he attended the public 
schools until fifteen years of age. About 
this time his mother died, and the home 
being broken up, he began life by going 
to work in Boston and later in Bangor. 
P^rom that place he went to Easton, Pa. 
where he spent one year in a large furni- 
ture house, leaving there to engage in 
business with an elder brother in south- 
ern Kentucky. The failure of his father's 
health made it necessary for him to 




ALBERT J. TAVLOR. 

butter, cheese and eggs, at 132 Dorches- 
ter street, was established, in 1873 by 
Joseph P. Taylor, father of the present 
proprietors. On March i, 1883, one of 
the sons was taken into the firm, and a 
little later the other. The firm name 
was changed at this date to J. P. Taylor 
& Sons, and so remained until Septem- 
ber I, 1889, when the senior member, 
who is still living at the age of eighty 
years, retired. 

Since his retirement the concern name 
has been Taylor Brothers. The busi- 
ness has always been conducted on 
honest lines ; nothing is misrepresented, 
customers are sure of getting just what 
they buy, courteous treatment, and right 
prices. 

Albert J. Taylor was born in Hermon, 



WII.I.IA.M R. l'AVH)R. 

return to South Boston, where he has since 
resided. He was married September i i, 
1884, to Emma L. Nason of South Hoston 
and has been blessed with three children, 
two boys and a girl, all living. The 
family reside at 5 Linden street, his own 
property. He is connected with St. 
John's M. E. church, and for a number of 
years was superintendent of the Sunday 
school. He is also a member of Bethesda 
Lodge, L O. O. F. '■* 

William R. Taylor was born in Her- 
mon, Me., August 31, 1862. His early 
days were passed in Bangor, Me., Auburn- 
dale and Sudbury, Mass. After leaving 
Sudbury he came to South Boston, and 
entered the Bigelow school, from which 
he graduated in the class of 1879. He 
then entered the business with his father, 



212 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



remaining there one year, returning to 
Sudbury, where he was employed by the 
Central Massachusetts Railroad. From 
here he went to Burnside, Ky., where his 
eldest brother employed him until he was 
called home by the disability of his 
father. Admitted to a partnership in his 



has smce 
1884 he 



father's business in 1884, he 
been a resident here. In 
married Emma C. Badger 
of Natick. Three children 
were born, including two 
boys now living. 

He is a past grand of 
Bethesda Lodge No. 30, 
I. O. O. F.; past chief patri- 
arch of Mount Washington 
Encampment No. 6; and 
trustee of Bernice Rebekah 
Lodge No. 36 I. O. O. F. 
He is also a member of St. 
Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., 
of which he is now marshal. 
He resides at 156 Dorches- 
ter street, having purchased 
the estate about three years 
ago. 

HUGH R. GRAY. 



One of the bright young 
business men of South 
Boston is Hugh R. Gray, 
of the firm of Hugh R. Gray 
& Co., druggists, at the cor- 
ner of Broadway and Dor- 
chester streets. He is a busi- 
ness man of the young 
school, but one who has 
shown by his ability and 
perseverance that his lesson rhoto. Aver. 
was learned from the lives 
of people older and more accomplished 
than he. His pharmacy is conducted on 
the plan of all high-class drug stores, and 
prescriptions are compounded in a thor- 
oughly systematic manner. Mr. Gray is 
also president and general manager of 
the (iray Chemical Company, a concern 
that has placed several patent prepara- 
tions on the market, which have met with 
a ready sale. Mr. Gray was born in the 
famous old town of Bucksport, Maine, 
July 13, 1864. His father was a ship 



owner and for a great many years a cap- 
tain in the merchant marine. He was 
educated in the grammar and high 
schools of his native town after which his 
education was completed in the East 
Maine Conference Seminary in Bucks- 
port. He longed for a broader field of 
commercial life early in his career, and 
about twenty years ago he left his home 




and came to Boston. He was not long 
ill tliis city when he secured employment. 
One of his first positions was with 
Charles E. Eames, a druggist at the cor- 
ner of Charter and Hanover streets ; a 
store that has been occupied as a phar- 
macy for seventy-five years. He was after- 
wards employed by several other well- 
known druggists, notably W. H. Knight, 
of Hanover and Court streets, and Tower 
eS: Co., Worcester and Washington streets. 
With the knowledge attained in these 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



213 



stores, and a course at the Massachusetts 
College of Pharmacy he soon became a 
registered pharmacist. He came to 
South Boston over three years ago and 
opened a store at the corner of D and 
Fourth streets. When the store at the 
corner of Broadway and Dorchester street 
became vacant he at once secured it and 
established the healthy business that is 
found there at the present time. Mr. 
Gray is well known in social and fraternal 
life. He is a member of the Boston 
Lodge of Elks ; St. Omer Lodge, Knights 
of Pythias of Cambridge ; Bucksport 
Lodge 30, Ancient Order United Work- 
men, of Bucksport, Maine ; South Boston 
Lodge, Improved Order Heptasophs; 
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club ; Ligomar 
Club and South Boston Wheelmen. He 
was married June i o, 1 885, to Miss Harriet 
Morrill Fifield of Bucksport. Mrs. Gray 
is an officer of Mt. Washington Colony, 
United Order of Pilgrim Fathers. 

EDWARD L. HOPKINS. 

In the ranks of South Boston's most 
energetic young men is found Edward L. 
Hopkins, whose rapid advance in the 
business world has placed him on the 
pedestal with many men of more ma- 
ture years. He is one of the well-known 
real estate men and is also a constable. 
He comes from a family that has held 
an honored name in South Boston for 
over half a century. Mr. Hopkins is but 
twenty-nine years of age. He was born 
in South Boston and graduated from the 
Lawrence school in the class of 1886. 
His business career commenced early, 
when he accepted a position as clerk for 
Edward Tracy, a real estate dealer. Ten 
years ago Mr. Hopkins branched out for 
himself and established himself in the 
store 362 Broadway. His success in a 
number of real estate transactions is con- 
clusive evidence that he has not made any 
mistake in his choice of a business life. 
His experience in the real estate field, 
coupled with a natural foresight has 
made him familiar with the value of real 
estate in all parts of South Boston, in the 
past and future. His activity has secured 
success for him. At the present time 




EDWARD L. HOPKINS. 

he is agent for over one hundred houses 
in South Boston and has the care of a 
number of important estates. He is an 
able auctioneer, a justice of the peace 
and a legally appointed constable. 
Mr. Hopkins is a member of Winthrop 
Council, Royal Arcanum ; Robert Fulton 
Council, Knights of Columbus; Division 
13, Ancient Order of Hibernians; Mos- 
quito Fleet Yacht Club ; South Boston 
Citizens' Association and an honorary 
member of the Shawnuit Rowing Club. 
Mr. Hopkins has always l)een known as 
a successful athlete. Time and again 
he has been honored as an official at big 
athletic meets, where he served success- 
fully and without hesitation, and has 
always given honorable decisions. His 
history although short is an honorable one. 

JAMES ELLIS. 

This leading furniture dealer, located 
in business at the corner of Broadway 
and B street, has always been closely 



214 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



identified with the interests of South 
Boston. Mr. EUis came to this district 
in 1884. His present store is one of the 
oldest in its line in South Boston. It 
was formerly conducted by A. G. Neary 
and later by C. H. Robinson. The sub- 
ject of this sketch first entered business 
in this district under the firm name of 
Ellis & Lewis. Later the firm consoli- 




dated with C. H. Robinson and for six 
years Mr. Ellis was at the Boston store. 
It was during this time that he gave up 
his residence in South Boston. He could 
not foresee the advisability, at the time, of 
taking the South Boston store again, and 
as his business took him to the city he 
changed his place of residence. In 1895 
Mr. Ellis returned to South Boston and 
assumed charge of his old store, re- 
maining here ever since. During the 
succeeding years he has made many im- 



provements in the building. His con- 
stantly increasing business demanded 
more fioor space, and besides changes in 
the old building, he added the entire 
block on B street, through to Silver 
street. He also occupies stables in the 
rear of the stores. The old building 
owns its share of military history, as it 
was formerly used as an armory for the 
South Boston companies of 
the Ninth regiment. The 
firm makes a specialty of 
selling goods on the instal- 
ment plan, a system that 
appeals strongly to many 
of his customers. The busi- 
ness of the house is not 
confined to South Boston 
as the delivery wagons are 
regular objects in the 
suburbs. Mr. Ellis is well- 
known in social life. He is 
a member of the Ancient 
and Honorable Artillery 
Company and was sergeant 
in that organization in 1896, 
when that company made 
its famous trip to London 
and the Continent. He is 
also a member of the Be- 
nevolent and Protective 
( )rder of Elks ; South Boston 
Citizens' Association; Cath- 
olic Union of Boston, Bos- 
ton Athletic Association and 
the Old Dorchester Club, 
and a member of the Mt. 
Washington Encampment, 
A. C). U. W. Two years ago 
he took a leading part in the 
election of Congressman 
Henry F. Naphen. He 
spends his summers on his farm near 
Blackstone, Mass., where he enjoys an 
uninterrupted view of four states, Massa- 
chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and 
New Hampshire, from Wigwam Hill, the 
highest point in south-western Massa- 
chusetts, which is on his farm. Mr. Ellis 
has added much to the business suc- 
cess of South Boston and is esteemed 
as one of its leading men. He is recog- 
nized as an able business man of the 
district. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



15 



HARRY J. MEGHRAN. 

One of the most successful of South 
Boston's younger business men is Harry 
J. Meghran, the deservedly popular real 
estate agent with a place of business at 
494 Broadway. Mr. Meghran is one of 
the few young men in his line of business 
who has been brought up in the real es- 
tate school. From the time 
he left the influences of 
school life his hopes were 
centered in this particular 
line. He is a South Boston 
boy by birth and breeding. 
He is the son of Maiy A., 
and the late Patrick T. 
Meghran and was born 
September 12, 1872. His 
father was one of South 
Boston's oldest residents, 
having been Ijorn in this 
district. His mother is an 
old Fort h i 1 1 e r . He at- 
tended the Bigelow school 
and completed his educa- 
tion at Comer's Commer- 
cial College, thereby adapt- 
ing h i m s el f to the par- 
ticular line of business he 
is destined to follow. After 
leaving college he entered 
the employ of John A. 
Devine, as clerk, and 
rapidly won his way to the 
favor of his employer. He 
remained with Mr. Devine 
from 1889 to 1898 and was 
confidential clerk and finan- 
cial agent. It was in 1898 
that he determined to ven- 
ture out for himself and 
opened the office at 494 Broadway. In 
May, 1900, he opened an office on Bow- 
doin street, Dorchester. In both of these 
offices he carries on a general real estate 
business, auctioneering, collections of 
rents, management of real estate, placing 
of mortgages, justice of the peace, ap- 
praiser and fire and life insurance. One 
of the most notable events in Mr. 
Meghran 's short career, is the highly 
creditable manner in which he has 
handled the inmiense Dorchester estate 



known as Mount Ida. This land, which 
covered about twelve acres, has been cut 
up into house lots. He is a young man of 
a retiring disposition. He is affiliated with 
Pere Marquette Council, Knights of 
Columbus. He was married October 
9. 1900, to Miss Margaret F. Heffren of 
Dorchester. After his marriage he took 
up his residence in Dorchester and occu- 




HARRV I. MKC.IIRAN. 

pies a pretty residence at 468 Quincy 
street. 

JOHN M. SULLIVAN. 

A dry goods merchant of South Boston 
and leading citizen of the district is John 
M. Sullivan, who holds a place high in the 
ranks of business men. Mr. Sullivan was 
born in Moncton, N. B., in i860. After 
attaining an education in the schools of 
his native town, he came to Boston and 



2l6 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



entered the employ of the firm of Hogg, 
Brown & Taylor, at that time one of the 
best-known dry goods houses in this city. 
He served three years in the employ of 
this firm, during which time he gained a 
valuable knowledge of the business which 
he chose for his career. After severing 
his connection with this firm he came to 
South Boston and entered the employ of 




'^sSWk.'''/''m 



B. Eldridge, for years a well-known dry 
goods man of this district. September 
28, 1889, he purchased the store 441 
Broadway and started in the dry goods 
business on his own account. Since that 
time, by his wide-awake methods and his 
faculty of pleasing customers, he has in- 
creased his operations from small dimen- 
sions to an extremely large and growing 
business. In 1895 he was obliged to en- 
large his store by building a thirty foot 
extension to the rear. This made the 



store seventy-five by thirty feet with a 
basement of the same dimensions. Every 
nook and corner of this store is filled 
with a stock of desirable goods, well 
suited to the large buying population of 
this district. Mr. Sullivan has been an 
active and interested resident of South 
Boston, and has always been classed as a 
progressive merchant and public-spirited 
citizen. He is a member, 
and at the present time sec- 
retary, of the Mosquito 
Fleet Yacht Club, and a 
member of the Columbia 
Yacht Club; City Point Cath- 
olic Association; Knights of 
Columbus ; Division 66, A. O. 
H.; Royal Arcanum; Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. 
He is also a director and one 
of the original incorporators 
of the South Boston Coop- 
erative Bank. Mr. Sullivan 
was married in 1887 to Miss 
Catherine Moffett of Charles 
town. The result of the hap- 
py union is three bright chil- 
dren. As one of the district's 
best-known business men, 
Mr. Sullivan's advice has 
been availed of on many 
matters of interest concern- 
ing the development of 
South Boston. 

LESTER E. AVER. 

This leading photographer 
of Sovith Boston, and prob- 
ably one of the youngest 
men pursuingthis line of busi- 
ness in Boston, is Lester E. 
Ayer, who conducts a creditable studio at 
202 Broadway. Mr. Ayer is a sturdy New 
England boy, with all the pluck and cour- 
age for which the boys of this section are 
noted, and his advancement to the position 
he now occupies was won only by hard 
work and perseverance. He was born 
February 24, 1869, in the city of Augusta, 
Me. There he grew up and attended the 
public schools of the city until he reached 
the age of sixteen. He looked for- 
ward, like many other Maine boys, to the 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



217 



greater cities, where youth was encour- 
aged and ambitions fostered. With 
business sentiments uppermost in his 
mind he came to Boston. His intellect 
drove him in the direction of the art of 
photography, and he at once proceeded 
to sharpen his mind on the trade which 
seemed his by nature's calling. He 
spent several years in different studios in 




LESTKR E. AVER. 

New England until he mastered the pro- 
fession. Then his zeal and energy 
dictated to him the seeking of another 
field and he went to California. He 
remained at the Golden (iate until 1895 
when he returned to Boston. Soon after 
returning he entered the employ of J. C. 
Latto. Mr. Latto, up to the time of his 
demise some months ago, held the repu- 
tation of being one of the leading photog- 
raphers of Boston. His trade included 
some of the best residents of South 
Boston and the neighboring sections. 



It was under W, C. Thompson, of the 
Opera House Studio, at Amesbury that 
the subject of this sketch received the 
finishing touches of his education in the 
art of photography. In the last days of 
Mr. Latto many important changes were 
made in this profession. Improvement 
followed improvement and the old school 
was obliged to make way for the new 
school. When Mr. Latto died, 
Mr. Ayer purchased the busi- 
ness. All improvements of the 
new school of photography 
have been made the special 
study of Mr. Ayer. He has 
kept the pace made by the 
leading photographers of the 
country. 

P. F. QUINN. 

xA.mong the younger busi- 
ness people of South Boston 
is P. F. Quinn, the proprie- 
tor of the " Broadway Hat 
Box," situated at 375 Broad- 
way, opposite the Bank. Mr. 
Quinn is a South Boston boy, 
born in this district twenty- 
five years ago. He is a young 
man who. by his own per- 
severance, individuality and 
determination, to-day occu- 
pies a position in the busi- 
ness world high above many 
who have been for years 
fostering different lines of 
business. His career in the 
hat and cap business is a 
very short one, dating back 
but three and a half years. 
After graduating from the Bigelow school 
he entered mercantile life, in which he 
continued for six years. In April, 1897, 
he accepted a position as salesman 
with M. F. Quinn at the corner of D 
street and Broadway. Here he re- 
mained until January, 1899, when, hav- 
ing mastered the hat and cap busi- 
ness, he purchased the new store in the 
Glynn building. Although but twenty- 
three years of age he showed the material 
he was made of, and since assuming con- 
trol of the store has built up a large and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



substantial patronage, having a line of 
headwear and gloves best suited to the 
wants of the people of South Boston. He 
is a member of St. Vincent's choir, a 




p. F. QUINN. 

teacher in the St Vincent's Sunday-school 
and a member of South Boston Council, 
K. C, and the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. 

THOMAS F. PHILLIPS. 

Thomas F. Phillips, the well-known 
coal and wood merchant of South Boston, 
the son of Patrick Phillips, an old resi- 
dent and merchant, was born in South 
Boston, March 26, 1857. He has always 
resided in this district and has been 
identified with its interests. He was 
educated in the Lawrence grammar and 
English high schools, and this was sup- 
plemented with a course at Comer's 
College. He then entered mercantile 
life and became bookkeeper for John 
Cavanagh and Sons, the building movers 
and bridge builders. In 1882 he engaged 
in the coal and wood business for him- 
self, which business he has carried with 
success ever since. At the time of the 
building of the new South Station his 
wharves and main offices were located at 
424 Federal street. The advance of 
passenger terminal facilities in Boston 
forced him to surrender his coal pockets, 
with a capacity of forty thousand tons, 
to the Boston Terminal Company. Since 



then he has been located at 56 Dorches- 
ter avenue. He controls a large trade, 
not only in South Boston and Dorches- 
ter but in the city proper and Brookline, 
and supplies many institutions and 
churches. He has several branch offices 
in this district and Dorchester. In April, 
1899, the business was merged into a 
close corporation, with Mr. Phillips, the 
principal stock holder. Mr. Phillips is 
a member of the Boston Coal Club; 
South Boston Citizens'Association;Chari- 




THOMAS F. PHILLIPS. 

table Irish Society; Catholic Union of 
Boston, and is also a director of the 
Mount Washington Cooperative Bank. 

RUSH BROTHERS. 

Perhaps no young business firm has 
achieved greater success in South Boston 
during recent years than that of Rush 
Brothers, who conduct extensive markets, 
on Broadway and Dorchester street, in 
South Boston, and on Warren street, 
Roxbury. The firm consists of Reuben 
Rush, who was born in England, Febru- 
ary 6, 1868 and Thomas Rush, born in 
England, August 12, 1869. They came 
to Boston from their native heath in 1884. 
After working three years for the West 
End Street Railway they went to Chicago, 
and engfaged in business. Soon after 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



219 



they moved, and their new scene of action 
was in Akron, Ohio. They iinally located 
in New York city where they engaged 
in the sale of typewriters, with offices in 
Baltimore, Boston and New York. It 
was in 1893, that they disposed of their 
typewriter business in New York City. 
Reuben went to the World's Fair in 
Chicago, and Thomas came to Boston. 
Upon the return of Reuben from the 
World's Fair, Thomas had bought out 
the provision business located at 439 
Broadway. They then removed to South 



orator. He has figured quite promi- 
nently in the Democratic politics of Ward 
15 having served as chairman of the 
ward committee. In 1893 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Georgia Lailee. Four 
children have blessed their union, three 
of whom are now living. 

Thomas Rush is just as well and favor- 
ably known in the business world as his 
brother. He has not, however, occupied 
as prominent a place in every-day affairs, 
being of a retiring disposition. He de- 
votes all his time to the successful busi- 




RKUHEN RUSH. 

Boston, where they have since made their 
homes. The year following the purchase 
of the establishment on Broadway they 
extended their business operations by 
opening the store on Dorchester street, 
and sometime later they opened their 
successful store in Roxbury They are 
unusually enterprising men and are 
heartily interested in the progress of 
South Boston. Reuben Rush, who for 
many years had made a study of finan- 
cial and labor questions, came into 
prominence in local politics in 1896, 
when he met Edward Atkinson, the well- 
known citizen and orator of Brookline in 
joint debate. The event took place in 
Gray's hall and Mr. Rush showed him- 
self to be an able expounder of the money 
question. He is an able and eloquent 



THOMAS RUSH. 

ness he assisted in establishing. He was 
married in 189410 Miss Annie Eden and 
they have one child, a bright boy of five 
years. Rush Brothers have contributed 
much to the success of South Boston 
and stand well in the estimation of its 
citizens. 

W. H. MILLS. 

The proprietor of the great China and 
Pacific Tea Company, importer of high 
grade teas and coffees, has been in busi- 
for twenty years. It was in 1880 that he 
engaged in the tea and coffee business 
at 241 Broadway near C street. His 
trade gradually increased and his opera- 
tions were soon extended to two other 
stores located at 437 and 649 Broadway. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



These he conducted in addition to the 
original store. Mr. Mills systematized his 
affairs to such an extent that he was 
enabled to concentrate the entire busi- 
ness into one store. 

He employs several courteous clerks, 
and deals in teas, coffees, butter and eggs. 
He also carries an extensive stock of china- 




W. H. MILLS. 

ware, kitchen furnishings, and glassware, 
which are given away to regular custom- 
ers. Mr. Mills' store has always been 
known as one of the most reliable places 
in South Boston where high class goods 
can be obtained. Mr. Mills is identified 
with St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M. ; St. 
Matthews Chapter of Royal Arch Ma- 
sons ; St. Omer Commandery, Knights 
Templar ; Ancient Order of United Work- 
men, and Troop A., National Lancers. 
He has always resided in South Boston 
and takes a deep interest in the welfare 
of its community. 

H. GORDON. 

If fair dealings with all and a clean 
business record count, then H. Gordon, 
the enterprising jeweler whose store is 
one of the best known on Broadway, has 
well earned a position in the hi.story of 
South Boston. He is a native of Ger- 
many, but an adopted citizen of Boston 
for some years. Since casting his lot 
with the business men of this district, in 



August, 1897, he has achieved that suc- 
cess which only rewards the industrious 
and the deserving. First starting in a 
small way in a small part of what now 
comprises his present handsome store 
at the corner of B street and Broadway 
he has gradually forged ahead. At the 
beginning of the year 1900 his business 
had outgrown the quarters. Securing 
a lease of the adjoining store, he took 
away the partition and enlarged and re- 
modelled the establishment to its present 
state. A clever judge of 
diamonds and precious 
stones, a practical watch- 




STORE OF H. CORDON. 

maker and all-round jeweler, his success 
has been rapid. In the watch-making de- 
partment he now gives steady and remu- 
nerative employment to skilful watch- 
makers, and oftentimes has more than two 
hundred time pieces in process of repair. 
His reputation for honorable treatment of 
patrons has now become firmly estab- 
lished in this district where business rep- 
utations are never achieved unless justly 
earned. Mr. Gordon is active in all 
South Boston matters of public interest. 

JAMES W. ROSE. 

One of the younger progressive busi- 
ness men of this district is James W. 
Rose, who has been engaged in the bicycle 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




JAMES \V. ROSE. 

and phonograph business for the past 
five years. Mr. Rose is a South Boston 
boy, and w-ell known thoroughout the dis- 
trict. After obtaining a practical edu- 
cation, he finally entered the store of 
John K. Lynch, the well-known wall-paper 
dealer, where he remained for eight years, 
and gained a valuable insight into busi- 
ness life. He displayed much talent in the 
interior decoration of homes. Since start- 
ing in business for himself he has been 
particularly fortunate in all his trans- 
actions, all his efforts turning out success- 
fully. During the summer season his 
store has been the Mecca for South 
Boston bicylists. During the winter 
months he conducts a large business in 
phonographs and graphophones. He also 
possesses an orderly temperance pool 
room. He is a versatile young man and 
an accomplished banjoist. His ser- 
vices are required on many occasions for 
the entertainment of his friends who con- 
sider him a recognized artist on this 
instrument. 

EDWARD J. WHEELER. 

One of the most reliable tailors of 
South Boston, is Edward J. Wheeler, 



who was born in Canada and educated 
there. He acquired his trade in Ottawa, 
Canada in 1880 being then a resident 
there. He later went to Chicago and 
Minneapolis, where he plied his trade, 
and : in 1884 he came to Boston. 
He has been the instructor in the 
business of several young men and he 
has given many a good start. On Octo- 
ber I. 1888, he started in business for 
himself, at the corner of Broadway and 
1 street, where he has been ever since. 
Since coming to South Boston Mr. 
Wheeler has gained a high reputation 




EDWARD J. WHEELER. 

and is known as one of the most reliable 
and accurate tailors in Boston. He de- 
signs his own patterns, a portion of the 
trade that is not known by all who are 
engaged in it. Mr. Wheeler has for his 
customers some of the leading men of 
South Boston and the city proper. All 
goods that leave his establishment must 
not alone be satisfactory' to his customers, 
but to himself, a point he is strenuous 
about. His employees are the best to be 
secured for his line of high grade work. 
He is a member of the Art Society of 
lioston ; Knights of Columbus ; Ancient 
Order of Hibernians; the South Boston 
Citizens' Association and the Mosquito 
Fleet Yacht Club. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



CORNELIUS P. FLYNN. 

One of South Boston's most influential 
business men and one who holds high 
rank among the druggists of the district 
is Cornelius P. Flynn, whose drug store 
is situated in Andrew square. His busi- 
ness career covers several }-ears in South 
Boston. He was born in Portsmouth, 
N. H., and attended the grammar and 




CORNELIUS p. FLVXX. 

high schools of that city. In 1872. he 
came to Boston as a bookkeeper in a 
manufacturing- house. At the end of 
six years he entered the store of his 
brother, W. H. Flynn, then located under 
Washington Hall in Andrew square. Six 
years later the business was removed to 
Geer's block, its present location, erected 
for his late brother's business. A few 
months later his brother was compelled 
to seek rest in Florida and New Mexico, 
and while at Bonito, in the latter territory, 
he was shot and killed by a desperado. 
The subject of this sketch then succeeded 
to the well-established business. Mr. 
Flynn is a member and former vice-presi- 
dent of;,the Massachusetts State Pharma- 
ceutical Association ; Boston Druggists' 
Association, and Massachusetts College 
of Pharmacy; president of the Apothe- 
caries' Guild of Boston and vicinity, and 



the South Boston Druggists' Association ; 
and secretary of the New England Retail 
Druggists' Union. He has always been 
identified with local improvement organi- 
zations and is president of the Lonsdale 
Improvement Association and a member 
of the Ashmont Improvement Association 
and the United Improvement Council of 
Dorchester. He was formerly treasurer 
of the \^'ashington ^^llage Improvement 
Association. Through his efforts Andrew 
square was named and the branch station 
and reading room of the Public Library 
was established in the Andrew square 
district. His store is a sub-station of 
the Boston Post Office ; a culture station 
for the Boston Board of Health and an 
anti-toxine station for the Massachusetts 
State Board of Health. 



JOHN J. H. LAMPARD. 

One of the best-known dry goods and 
gentlemen's furnishing stores in this sec- 
tion of the city is that of Mr. John J. H. 
Lampard at 443 Broadway. This store 
has always carried a fine line of gents' 
furnishings and Mr. Lampard is the 
haberdasher to many young men in this 
district. Here also can be found an excel- 
lent and choice line of small wares and 
ladies' furnishings, also dn' Sfoods. For 




JOHN J. H. LAMPARD. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



223 



many years Mr. Lanipard has been asso- 
ciated in business with H. L. Diman. and 
at one time the store was located at the 
corner of Broadway and Dorchester 
street. The increased business however 
necessitated moving into a larger and 
more adequate place. Last July Mr. 
Lampard purchased Mr. Diman's interest 
in the business, which has since been 
conducted under his name. Mr. Lampard 
was born in London, England, but came 
to this country when eight years of age. 
He attended the Bigelow and Andrew- 
schools, after which he entered into mer- 
cantile business. Later he was employed 
Avith Coleman Mead & Co. where he re- 
mained eight years, and become thor- 
oughly familiar with the dr}- goods busi- 
ness. This house does a large and ex- 
tensive business, due in a measure to the 
courteous treatment the customers receive 
from the clerks. Mr. Lampard has never 
taken any active part in political affairs 
but is interested in the welfare and ad- 
vancement of the district. Most of his 
time is devoted strictly to business, al- 
though he is well known in social circles. 




GEORGE N. CASSILL. 

A name familiar to this district is that of 
Cassill the enterprising and progressive 
photographic artist. George N. "Cassill 
is a native of Iowa, and has been engaged 
in his line of business for many years. 
Although western by birth he is an 
eastern man by adoption and has been a 
resident of this vicinity for the past seven 




ROBERT EMMETT. 



C.EOKdK X. CASSILL. 

years, during which time he has con- 
ducted a successful business at 376 
Broad wa}'. He has done the photograph 
work for many of the leading houses of 
the city and has distinguished himself 
for the many fine specimens produced. 
Mr. Cassill has been especially success- 
ful with interior effects, besides being 
skilful in all branches of the art. He 
makes a feature of portrait work, copying, 
bromide enlargements and finishing for 
amateurs. His excellent carbonette pho- 
tographs have attracted w^idespread atten- 
tion. He is a thoroughly competent 
workman and has made several of the 
portraits and views reproduced in the 
pages of this book. They in themselves 
show his abilitv in this line. 



224 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



GEORGE R. CAVANAGH. 

George R. Cavanagh, the building- 
mover, comes from the family of building- 
movers that are known all over New 
England. The subject of this sketch was 
born on Baxter street, and is the son of 
William R. Cavanagh. His father and 
grandfather were both engaged in the 
building-moving business. He attended 
the Bigelow and English high schools 
and went to work with his father at the 
age of eighteen years. On the death of 
his father the young man took the 




GEORGE R. CAVANAGH. 

business under his own charge, and has 
conducted it alone to this day. He has 
extensive yards adjacent to the Old 
Colony railroad and on E street. The 
latter yards have been in continuous use 
by the family since 1840. Father and son 
have achieved much reputation from the 
large contracts they have undertaken and 
carried to a successful finish, many of 
which were very difificult to carry out. 
Mr. Cavanagh has always been held in 
the highest esteem by the people of 
South Boston. He has travelled exten- 
sively through England, Ireland and 
France. He was resident of South Bos- 
ton up to the year 1893, when he moved 
from this district and built a comfortable 
residence on Pierce avenue, Dorchester, 



where he now resides. He is a practical 
man in his line of work, and the growth 
of his business has been marked each 
year. His office and timber yards are 
located at 3 1 1 Dorchester street, South 
Boston. 

DANIEL ALLEN. 

Because of his large and favorable ac- 
quaintance, gained through extended con- 
nection and prominence in numerous 
secret organizations, Daniel Allen needs 
little introduction through this page. An 
adopted resident of South Boston since 
1869, he was born in St. John, New 
Brunswick, July 4, 1849. He was edu- 
cated in the Madras central school, of 
his native town, and learned the trade of 
a carpenter, which calling he pursued 
with success even before he took up his 
residence here. His interest in social 
and fraternal organizations, dates back 
to his becoming a good Templar in St. 
John. Shortly after coming to South 
Boston, in 1869, he joined Washing- 
ton Lodge, Knights of Pythias ; he is 
now a charter member of Socrates 
Lodge K. of P. ; Mizpah Lodge, N. 
E. O. P. ; and Mount Carmel Com- 
mandery Knights of Malta, in all of which 
lodges he was active in the foundation. 
He is also a member of the grand com- 
mandery of Massachusetts of the Knights 
of Malta ; charter member and past noble 
grand National Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; grand 
master of the Daughters of Malta ; mem- 
ber for the District Lodge, Manchester 
Unily I. O. O. F. ; and in 1900 was 
elected sovereign grand master of the 
Continent of America of the Eodacea, 
the controlling body of the Daughters of 
Malta, Knights Hospitalers of St. John of 
J erusalem. Mr. Allen has for many years 
been connected with the Dorchester 
Street Methodist church, being one of 
the trustees and board of managers 
of the church extension and missionary 
society ; has for three years, also, been 
the Scribe of King Solomon Priory, 
Great Cross ; Abisida Siesta, Princess 
of Bagdad, and for a longer period a 
member of the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. Besides his prominence in 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



225 





DR. JOHN FRANCIS CONNORS. 



DANIEL ALLEN. 

social life, he has become well-known 
as a master carpenter with office and 
shop at 460 Broadway. He has for 
three years been warden of the Ward 15 
Republican caucuses and is an active and 
esteemed resident of the district. 

JOHN FRANCIS CONNERS, M.D.V. 

Dr. John Francis Conners, doctor of 
veterinary medicine, scientific investi- 
gator, honor graduate of Harvard uni- 
versity and veterinary surgeon, was born 
in South Boston. March 8, 1876. He is 
the son of Patrick Conners, an old resi- 
dent of this district. He received his 
early education in the Thomas N. Hart 
school being one of that school's first 
class of graduates. He then went to 
English High school and Comer's col- 
lege. He later entered Harvard College 
and was one of the first graduates to be 
given a degree in veterinary medicine, 
with honor. His offices are located at 
400 Broadway and also at his home, 301 
Eighth street. Since coming to South 
Boston his worth in his line has been 
readily observed. His practice has 
grown quite large and he has made many 
friends among those possessing fine 
horseflesh. Dr. Conners is very promi- 



nent in educational and fraternal circles. 
He is a member of the Harvard College 
Alumni ; Harvard University Veterinary 
Medical association ; Knights of Colum- 
bus ; Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, and 
many of the social and driving clubs of 
Boston and vicinity. He is also a former 
house surgeon of the Harvard clinic. 
Dr. Conners has written many essays on 
matters pertaining to his profession and 
ranks high among the veterinary surgeons 
of this country. 

JOHN R. McHUGH. 

John R. McHugh, one of South Bos- 
ton's most promising young lawj-ers, was 
born in Pittsburg. Pa. His father, 
Martin P. McHugh, who is a carpenter, 
migrated to South Boston when the boy 
was still young, and the early education 
of the young man was finished in this 
section. He attended the Lawrence 
grammar school and then entered the 
English high school, graduating in 1894. 
Mr. McHugh entered the Boston Uni- 
versity law school in October, 1896. from 
which institution he graduated in the 
class of '99. His legal training was not 
confined to books, however, as he had 
one and one-half years of actual legal 
training in the office of Congressman 
Henry F. Naphen. He was admitted to 



226 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



the Suffolk bar in July following the 
date of his receiving his degree. He is 
a most brilliant young man and has been 
eminently successful. Mr. McHugh is 
very prominent in social and fraternal 
bodies. He is identified with the Wolfe 
Tone Club ; Division 57, A. O. H ; Law- 
rence Club; Twenty-Five Associates, and 
several other local societies In each 
of these organizations Mr. McHugh is 
held in high esteem. For a young man 
his advancement has been indeed rapid. 



during his spare time he read law. He 
entered Boston University and received 
his degree from that institution in 1898, 
being admitted t tohe Suffolk bar shortly 
after. He served in the common coun- 
cil in 1897-98, and in the House of 
Representatives in 1899-00. During his 
last year in the House he was on the 
\\'ays and Means committee. Through 
his efforts a bill was introduced and 
passed asking for a new municipal build- 
ing to fill a lnn2;-felt want in South 





JOHN R. McHUGH. 

In his profession he has attained a place 
seldom secured in such a short time by 
a man so young. He is located in a 
pleasant office on School street, and his 
South Boston office is at 460 Broadway. 

DANIEL V. McISAAC. 

One of the rising young attorneys of 
South Boston is Daniel V. Mclsaac. He is 
an ex-member of the legislature and lives 
in a comfortable home on Dorchester 
street. He was born in Pembroke, Me., 
about twenty-nine years ago, and at the 
age of twelve, he came to Boston with 
his parents. His early education was 
received in the John A. Andrew school, 
after which he entered the printing busi- 
ness. While earning his living he did 
not neglect his mental education, and 



DANIEL V. McISAAC. 

Boston. The bill was not signed how- 
ever. During his career in the city 
government he secured the unfinished 
bath-house and gymnasium on Ninth 
street. He has been successful in his 
law practice, and in 1900 was retained 
as counsel in the famous Julius Adams 
will case, which involved half a million of 
dollars. His Boston office is at 27 
School street. Mr. Mclsaac is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Columbus ; Ancient 
Order of Hibernians and the Improved 
Order of Heptasophs. 

SAMUEL M. BURROUGHS. 

This well-known citizen has been a 
resident of this district for the past ten 
years and is now located in business for 
himself at no Dorchester street. He 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



!27 



was born in Virginia but a greater part 
of his life has been spent in New Jersey 
with his grandfather and uncle. It was 
with them that he learned the business 
of a funeral director and early in life he 
attended and graduated from a New 
York embalming school. On coming to 
Boston he entered the establishment of 
Messrs. Lewis Jones & Son, with whom 
he remained for a period of a year and a 
half, since which time he had been in 
the employ of J. B. Cole c^ Son. He 



one years Mr. Elliott has held a residence 
and a business here. He was born in 
HoUis, N. H., seventy-one years ago. 
He carries on an extensive carpet-clean- 
ing establishment on Champney street, 
with an office at 104 Dorchester street. 
He is known as one of the most re- 
liable persons in his line of business 
in this city, calling for and delivering 
carpets all over Suffolk county. At his 
office he also fills demands for cameras 
and photographic supplies. He holds 




SAMUEL M. BURROUGHS. 



WILLIAM E. ELLIOIT, 



brought here with him a valuable ex- 
perience of which the patrons of his 
employers received the full benefit. It 
was on December i, 1900, that he se- 
cured the lease of his present store, which 
is the original location of the late J. B. 
Cole. His rooms are fitted up in the 
most modern st}'le and his facilities are 
in every way adequate. Although not a 
native of Massachusetts he is thoroughly 
in sympathy with the institutions of this 
Commonwealth and is especially interest- 
ed in the welfare of South Boston. He 
is a member of Bethesda Lodge, I. (). (). 
F., and stands well in business circles. 

WILLIAM E. ELLIOTT. 

A veteran business man of South 
Boston is William E. Elliott. For thirty- 



a high position in the community, and is 
well known in 13oston fraternal circles. 
He is a member of Washington Lodge, 
F. & A. M., of Roxbury; Bethesda 
Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; charter member of 
Unity Lodge, A. O. U. W.. in which 
body he has been through all the chairs ; 
charter member, Mattapanock Lodge, 
Knights of Honor; charter member 
Friendship Lodge, Knights and Ladies 
of Honor; New England Order of Pro- 
tection and the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. His factor)^' property, a 
large one of its kind, is situated near the 
new Strandvvay. In all his dealings with 
the public he has held an enviable repu- 
tation, acquired by strict attendance to 
business and long residence in this 
district, and all knowing him. regard him 
highlv. 



228 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



F. C. FLOYD. 

Frederic Clark Floyd was born in Saco, 
Maine, in 1837. His grandfather, Samuel 
Floyd, was a lineal descendant of Gen- 
eral William Floyd, one of the signers 
of the Declaration of Independence, 
whose ancestors emigrated from Wales 
in 1684, with William Penn. Mr. Floyd 




FREDKKIC CLARR KLDVD. 

removed to Boston in i860, and relin- 
quished a collegiate education, in April, 
1684, to join a company of volunteers in 
West Cambridge (Arlington) which later 
was attached to the Fortieth (Mozart) 
Regiment of New York Infantry. He was 
promoted sergeant and participated in 
the siege of Yorktown, and in the battles 
of Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, 
White Oak Swamp, Glendale and Mal- 
vern Hill, where he was wounded. He 
was honorably discharged after a service 



of two years. Sergeant Floyd returned 
from the war and engaged in clerical and 
newspaper work until 1879, when he be- 
came the editor and publisher of the 
"South Boston Inquirer" which he con- 
tinued until 1890. He then established 
the " South Boston Bulletin " which he 
relinquished six years later, to accept an 
appointment as building inspector for 
the City of Boston, which 
position he still holds. 

In the conduct of his 
newspaper, Mr. Floyd was 
a determined enemy of what 
he considered to be wrong 
and a fearless advocate of 
what he believed would pro- 
mote the interests of South 
Boston. Although a Re- 
publican, he advocated the 
election of men to public 
office regardless of their 
political affiliations. As an 
editor, Mr. Floyd succeeded 
in creating a favorable pub- 
lic sentiment upon the top- 
ics he discussed. He was 
one of the original mem- 
bers of the Citizens' Associ- 
ation. Editor Floyd urged 
the establishment of Marine 
Park, and he vigorously 
assailed the location of 
liquor saloons in its vicin- 
ity. He favored the estab- 
lishment of a branch of the 
public library and first 
suggested the -formation of 
the Mattapan Deposit and 
Trust Company. He was one 
of the first to recommend es- 
tablishment of a high school. 
Mr. Floyd is an enthusiastic Grand 
Army comrade and for many years has 
been connected with Dahlgren Post and 
identified its history. After his marriage 
in 1 863, to Miss Anna B. Luce of Hermon, 
Maine, they came to South Boston and 
resided here over thirty-five years. Their 
children, Fred G., Ira Waldo and Edna, 
were born here, and educated in the 
South Boston grammar and Boston high 
schools. Mr. Floyd is now a resident of 
Roxbury. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



229 



JOHN B. McNUTT. 

John B. McNutt was born in Truro, 
Nova Scotia. When he came to South 
Boston in 1861, he was employed by 
Burrill & Whitney, afterwards engaging 
in business for himself, with Charles 
Wall, which attempt was unsuccessful, 
but has, since the year following, con- 
ducted a successful business, being at 
the present time a veteran in painting 
and dccnrating. Soon after coming to 



X 



.5=^ 



\ 




JOHN P.. MCNUTT. 

South Boston Mr. McNutt identified him- 
self with military life and served in both 
the Pulaski and Lincoln Guards. After 
several years prominence in the state 
militia, during which he won distinction 
and prizes at rifle practice, he received 
his honorable discharge, and retired 
from the service as commissioned ser- 
geant of Company E, First Regiment, 
M. V. M. He was united in marriage 
with the daughter of Thomas M. Spinney 
in 1880, and resides at 589 East Ninth 
street. 

WILLIAM H. QUIRK. 

A leading wholesale merchant and an 
old resident of this district is William H. 
Quirk whose interest in the locality has 
ever been demonstrated. He was born 
in the western part of the county of 



Limerick, Ireland, and came to this 
country in June, 1864. His first employ- 
ment here, was in the large Washington 
Mills at Lawrence, where he was a cloth 
measurer. He afterwards entered a 
grocery store in Lawrence. After serving 
his employers faithfully there, he was 
offered the inducement of more pay and 




came to Chelsea, Mass., to take charge 
of a grocery and provision store, where 
he remained two years and succeeded in 
building up a large business for his con- 
cern. He left there to still better his 
condition and receive a much larger sal- 
ary as travelling salesman for a western 
distillery. At the end of two years he 
left that concern and, coming to South 
Boston, became manager for the whole- 
sale house of Campbell Brothers. After 
two years' successful management of that 
large business, he opened his own store 
at the corner of E and Eighth streets in 



230 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




WILLIAM H. (JUIRK. 

187S, where he has since continued with 
marked increasing success. During the 
first year of his business, he conducted 
both a wholesale and retail liquor busi- 
ness ; but he now confines his business 
strictly to the wholesale trade. In 1900 
he built the present new store, which 
is one of the neatest in Boston, and is 
seventy by thirty-three feet in dimensions. 
Mr. Quirk has a large trade, not confined 
to the limits of South Boston, and his 
reputation is that of a merchant of strict 
integrity, whose goods comprise some of 
the finest brands of liquors in the world. 
Before the Hanley & Casey Brewing 
Company went into the brewers' trust, 
Mr. Quirk was one of the directors of 
that concern. He is the owner of much 
real estate, and is one of the large tax- 
payers of South Boston. He has never 
sought nor accepted public ofiice. He 
has for several years resided at 580 



Seventh street. He also 
owns a finely equipped 
stable on Ninth street, and 
being a lover of fine horse 
flesh, is possessor of some 
handsome high-bred Ken- 
tucky horses, his principal 
amusement being the saddle. 

THOMAS JACKSON BARRY. 

There are few lawyers in 
this state, if not indeed in 
the whole country, that have 
such a wide circle of friends 
and acquaintances as 
Thomas Jackson Barry, 
eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Edward W. Barry of this dis- 
trict, and brother of Mr. 
E d w a r d P. Barry of the 
"Inquirer." Since he gradu- 
ated from the Harvard law 
school in 1881, he has been 
prominent both at the bar 
and in politics. He has 
made a specialty of contract 
and corporation law, and is 
the leading attorney in New 
England, and one of the 
greatest lawyers in America 
on laws affecting theatrical 
contracts and matters of theatrical in- 
terest in general. Mr. Barry was born 
in South Boston, January i, 1857, 
and before entering Harvard he grad- 
uated with honors from Lawrence gram- 
mar, the English high and Chauncy- 
Hall schools. In his early legal career 
he devoted much time to politics, and 
for two years was president, and four 
years vice-president, of the Democratic 
city committee. He has ever been a 
staunch party man, and even now takes 
a lively interest in municipal and national 
political affairs. He has always found 
time to attend to his duties as a member 
of many social and fraternal organiza- 
tions, and for a long time was exalted 
ruler of the Boston Lodge, Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks. For a 
number of years Mr. Barry has had 
spacious ofiices at No. 48 Congress 
street, in the heart of the business dis- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



231 




THOMAS JACKSON BARRY. 

tricCof Boston, and he has about him an 
excellent corps of assistants. Mr. Barry 
is married and has three children, Don, 
Albert and Marguerite. His winter 
home is on Trull street, Dorchester, and 
he has a beautiful summer house at 
North Falmouth on Buzzards Bay. 

FRANK J. HANNON. 

This citizen is a son of the late 
Timothy Hannon who took up his resi- 
dence in South Boston about 1840, and 
resided at 333 Second street until 1891, 
the end of his notable life, which oc- 
curred when he was seventy-two years of 
age. Duringjhis active business life he cut 
down a major portion of the high hills 
which made South Boston so unfit for 
travel in former years, grading the streets 
and using the soil to fill in First street 
and the adjoining territory. He is well 



remembered by the older 
citizens by whom he was 
held in the highest esteem 
as a man and a cherished 
friend. When his business 
was at its height he employ- 
ed, oftentimes as many as 
two hundred men. As old 
age began to assert itself he 
gradually became less ac- 
tive and at the time of his 
lamented decease his busi- 
ness was at its minimum. 
His son was born in South 
Boston and attended the 
Bigelow school. He, later, 
studied for the priesthood 
at Our Lady of the Angels 
Seminary, Niagara Falls. 
Inheriting strong tastes for 
active business he gave up 
the study of theology and 
engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits. After some years in 
the dry-goods business he 
started in the teaming and 
excavating business thirteen 
years ago and from a mod- 
est start has attained a large 
business and high reputa- 
tion, being the largest con- 
tractor in his line in Boston 
and one of the best-known and most 
reliable in the city. In excavating the 
Perkins Institution property on Fourth 
street from G to H streets, involving the 
removal of from 40,000 to 50,000 cubic 
yards, he used the first steam shovel 
utilized for similar purposes. In lower- 
ing the hill for laying the foundation for 
the new Gate of Heaven church, he ful- 
filled a contract equally large, using oxen 
and plow for this purpose. Mr. Hannon 
also cut through and graded Storey street 
using the material for filling the new 
Strandway and Marine Park. The ex- 
cavating for the new Colonial Theater, 
Hotel Touraine, Masonic Temple and 
large Jordan building are among the 
large contracts carried out by him to the 
entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. 
Hannon possesses large stables on First 
street in which are kept forty or fifty 
teams. He often employs one hundred 



232 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON 




THE LATE TIMOTHY HANNON. 

men and laborers. He is a member of 
the South Boston Citizens' Association; 
Knights of Columbus ; Master Builders 
Association and one of the directors of 
Mount Washington Cooperati\'e bank. 

T. HANKS' SONS 

This old and reliable hardware con- 
cern was first established in 1868 by the 
late Thomas Hanks, father of the present 
proprietor. The original location was 
at the foot of Broadway. The founder 
was an Englishman by birth w^ho estab- 
lished a business, in late years grown to 
large proportions, by treating all fairly. 
His knowledge of cutlery, tools and 
general hardware, was acquired in the 
mother country ; and after opening his 
first store in South Boston he soon had 
justly earned the confidence of his custom- 
ers. In 1885 Sidney A. Hanks became his 



father's partner under the 
firm name of T. Hanks 
<^v: Son. Soon after it be- 
came apparent that the 
trend of business was 
moving up Broadw^ay, the 
business was removed to 
larger quarters at 319 
Broadway. 

January 7, 1892, Thomas 
Hanks died leaving a wife 
and three children. The 
business was then con- 
ducted by his two sons, 
Sidney A and Joseph H. 
Hanks, under the name 
of T. Hanks' Sons, when 
it was removed to its pres- 
ent central location, 449 
Broadway. In December, 
1899, after a bright and 
active business career, the 
elder brother, S. A. 
Hanks died. Since his 
death the business has 
been successfully contin- 
ued under the same style 
by Joseph H. Hanks. He 
has upheld the good name 
of the store, while modern 
methods have been intro- 
ducedto keep pace with the 
times. General hardware, tools, cutlery, 
paints, oils and glass are the principal 
articles carried and a large and increasing 
trade has been conducted from the start. 
The present proprietor is a native of South 
Boston and obtained his education in 
the public schools. He was brought up 
in the hardware business and absorbed 
in large degree the extended knowledge 
of cutler}' possessed by his father. He 
is a member of Gate of the Temple 
Lodge F. and A. M. St. Matthews Chapter, 
and St. OmerCommandery K. T.; and is 
well-known as one of the most reliable 
of South Boston's young business men. 
Although most of his life has been spent 
as a resident of this district, he now re- 
sides in Dorchester. 

The business as now conducted reflects 
credit upon its able management, the 
reputation of the concern being unsullied 
since its foundation. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



:33 




THE LATE THOMAS HANKS. THE LATE SIDNEY A. HANKS. 



J. H. HANKS. 



JOHN J. TEEVENS, JR. 

One of the ambitious young men of 
this community is Councilman John J. 
Teevens, Jr., of Ward 14. His father, 
Col. John J. Teevens, has been actively 
engaged in business here for the past 
thirt}- 3 ears. Councilman Teevens was 
born in Boston, June 7, 1875, but when 
ver)^ young he removed with his parents 
to this section. After attending the 
Cyrus Alger school he entered the Bige- 
low, from which he graduated in the 
class of 1890. He then pursued a 
course of study in the English high 
school, graduating in 1893. While here 




JOHN J. TEEVENS, JR. 



Mr. Teevens had the distinction of being 
major in the Boston school regiment. 
He also took the one year advanced 
course, and prepared for college. In 
his last year at the English high school, 
he was connected with the school paper 
as one of its editors. In 1898 he grad- 
uated from Harvard College and since 
that time he has been attending the Har- 
vard law school. He expects to be 
admitted to the Suffolk bar next June. 
For a young man. Mr. Teevens has been 
quite active in political atifairs and last 
year he was elected to represent Ward 
14 in the lower branch of the cit}- govern- 
ment. He is a member of the Celtic 
Club: Cit}- Point Catholic Association, 
William K.' Russell Club: Jefferson Club ; 
Somerset Associates and Parnell Monu- 
ment Fund Association. He resides at 
87 P street. 

EDWARD R. McCORMACK. 

This young and progressive business 
man has been a resident of South Boston 
all his life and was born Februarj-. 21. 
1876. His education was received in 
the public schools of this district, having 
attended the Tuckerman, Pope and Lin- 
coln schools, graduating in the class of 
1892. He then entered the employ of his 
father, Raphael McCormack, and for two 
years took full charge of his property. 
Mr. McCormack then entered the employ 
of Isaac N. Tucker, a leading plumber 
of the cit}'. He showed natural aptitude 



34 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



and became proficient in this line of 
business. While in the employ of Mr. 
Tucker, he became a skilled workman in 
all branches of the work. After remain- 
ing here for eight years he embarked in 
business for himself. Although in busi- 
ness but a short time, he is recognized as 
one of the leading plumbers of this sec- 
tion. His place of business is at 724 
Broadway. He is honorably identified 
with many societies including the Ush- 
ers' Literary Society, of which he is 



makes a specialty of sign painting. A 
majority of the business establishments 
of this district are adorned with Haley's 
signs, and speak volumes for his skill 
and talent in this direction. While he 
designs and makes every description of 
signs his business is by no means con- 
fined to that branch ; his work is broad 
in its scope and the painting of large 
buildings, not only in this district but far 
outside of it, is extensively carried on by 
him. He employs a force of from ten to 




EDWARD R. MCCORMACK. 

treasurer ; Young Men's Lyceum ; Catho- 
lic Order of Foresters ; Trimount Con- 
clave, Improved Order of Heptasophs ; 
the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and 
other kindred organizations of the Gate 
of Heaven church. He resides at 8 Na- 
tional street. 

ALBERT C. HALEY. 

One of the leading painters and decor- 
ators of Boston is Albert C. Haley, whose 
business establishment is situated under 
the shadow of the historic SS. Peter and 
Paul church. He was born and brought up 
in South Boston, and his father was an old 
and valued citizen who lived here up to the 
time of his death. Mr. Haley has been en- 
gaged in the painting and decorating busi- 
ness for the past twenty-two years, and 



SHOP OF A. C. HALEY. 

thirty men and has a high reputation for 
honest work and reasonable prices. Mr. 
Haley has been president of the master 
painters' associations of Boston and South 
Boston. He is a man of strong phys- 
ique and athletic build and has taken 
several prizes as an oarsman. He is a 
member of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht 
Club ; South Boston Council, Knights of 
Columbus; Ancient Order of United 
workmen and the South Boston Citizens' 
Association. 

WILLIAM WASS NICHOLS. 

This old and respected resident of South 
Boston, who has for many years been a 
leading spirit in the district, was born in 
Columbia, Maine, and is a son of the 
late John Nichols, a sea captain whose 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



235 



ship was seized at Liverpool, England, 
by the British, at the breaking out of the 
war of 181 2, and he was put in Dart- 
mouth prison until the close of the war. 
He saw active service in the Mexican 
war and commanded the tirst steam war 
vessel of the United States government, 
and which took part in the bombardment 
and capture of Tabasco, Mexico. The 




WILLIAM WASS NICHUL 



navy, on the recommendation of Governor 
Alexander H, Rice, to be an engineer 
in the navy, and after a rigid examina- 
tion by chief engineer, George Sewell, 
Naval Constructor Hanscom and Com- 
modore Preble, he was passed, and was 
assigned to duty in charge of the foundry 
department in the Boston navy yard, 
employing three hundred men. It was 
here the vast projectiles and war mate- 
rial were manufactured for the navy. 
Mr. Nichols takes pride in the fact that 
the shot and shell used by Commodore 
Worden in the little Monitor which 
destroyed the Merrimack, was made under 
his direction. 

Mr. Nichols was a candidate for the 
state legislature, and was elected and 
served in 1869-70. For the past twenty 
years Mr. Nichols has been engaged in 
the real estate business, during which 
time he has done much towards improv- 
ing considerable property. Mr. Nichols 
is a man of sterling qualities, has the 
interest of South Boston at heart, and is 
a strong advocate of temperance. He 
is a member of the South Boston Citi- 
zens' and other associations, and St. 
John's M. E. church. He resides on 
W. Fourth street. 



subject of this sketch is also descended 
from inter-colonial ancestry. He obtained 
his early education partly in the district 
schools of his native town and concluded 
his schooling by being graduated from 
the English high school at Newburyport, 
to which place his family had removed 
some years before. He then came to 
Boston and studied to become a mechani- 
cal engineer, his tutor being the late 
Otis Tufts. 

It was in 185 1 that he came to South 
Boston, and has resided here continuously 
since. He was at that time appointed 
superintendent of the Union Locomotive 
department of Wilmarth's works. In 
1854 he built and was the proprietor of 
the Novelty Iron Works, which concern 
employed a large number of men and 
made machinery for the Philadelphia 
navy yard, and the Watertown arsenal. 
Upon the breaking out of the civil war. 
he was appointed by the secretary of the 



E. AUGUSTUS PERKINS. 

The subject of this sketch is an ex- 
member of the fire department, having 
served the city for thirty-one years. He 
was born in Salem in 1826, and is the 
son of Ezra Perkins, who conducted a 
cooper shop at the corner of Fifth and C 
streets. He came to Boston in 1843 and 
has lived here continuously since that 
time. Mr. Perkins is a graduate of the 
Franklin school. After leaving school 
he was employed by J. M. Barnard and 
Leonard Ware & Co. In 1868 he went 
to work as shipper for Felton i^v: Sons, 
where he has remained ever since. In 
1843 he joined the fire department and 
has served both as volunteer and paid 
fireman. He first became a member of 
Suffolk No. I and then \vent to Perkins 
No. 16, of South Boston, serving from 
1848 to 1850. From 185 1 to 1859 he 
was with Engine 2, and from 1870 to 



236 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



1887 he was a member of Hook and 
Ladder company 5. In 1887 he was re- 
tired by law regulating age limit. He is 
still entitled, however, as a veteran, to 
wear the badge of the fire department. 
Mr. Perkins is a member of the Boston 
Veteran Firemen's Association ; Boston 
Firemen's Charitable Association ; Boston 
Firemen's Relief Association and the 
Mechanics' Apprentice Association of 




E. AUcusTus pp:rkins. 

Veterans. He married Miss Ellen Cotton 
of this district and they lived happily to- 
gether for forty-nine years and six months. 
Three children were born to them who 
are all living, namely : Mrs. Navine E. 
Loud, Frank M. and Sarah F. Perkins. 



GEORGE H. CAVANAGH. 

Long prominence in the building world 
has made George H. Cavanagh a familiar 
figure in business circles. He is a son 
of the late William P. Cavanagh, one of 
the pioneer pile drivers and building mov- 
ers of Boston, and formerly of New 



Bedford, who moved to South Boston 
from the city proper in 1852, and re- 
sided here until his death. George H. 
Cavanagh was born on Bay street, in 1839. 
After moving to this district he attended 
the old Hawes grammar school, graduat- 
ing in 1824. He then went one year to 
the F.nglish high school, after which he 
went to work for his two elder brothers. 
April 19, 1 86 1, he responded to the 
President's call for volunteers and en- 
listed in the Boston Light Artillery, for 
three months, serving at Baltimore under 
General Butler. October 8, 1861 he re- 
enlisted for three years in the First Mas- 
sachusetts Cavalry. He saw continued 
active service, and in 1862 was made a 
sergeant and received honorable mention 
for valuable service. November, 1863, 
he was transferred to the Sixth New 
York Horse Battery, and concluded his 
service in Horse Battery D. Second 
LTnited States Artillery, receiving his dis- 
charge, November 7, 1864. After the 
war he re-entered the employ of his 
brothers. John and William, who carried 
on the pile driving and building moving 
business. January i, 1868 he engaged 
in business for himself, taking the pile 
driving branch of the business. Since 
that time he has become known as one 
of the most reliable in his line, and has 
completed many large and important 
contracts, among which may be men- 
tioned, that of the pile driving under the 
Boston Art Museum, old Providence 
depot, new Old South church. Youth's 
Companion and Pope Manufacturing 
companies' buildings on Columbus 
avenue, and a great many other large 
structures. Mr. Cavanagh also drove 
five thousand piles over which two-thirds 
of the new Public Library building now 
stands. With his brother he built the 
Dover street bridge in 1876 ; also a sec- 
tion of the improved sewer in the South 
End, and sub-structure of the Dart- 
mouth street and Broadway extension 
bridges. He was married May 30, 1865 
to Miss Eliza Phillips, now deceased. 
Fourteen children were born to them. 
ele\'en of whom are now living. In 
1883 Mr. C^avanagh removed with his 
family to Dorchester Lower Mills where 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



237 



he now resides. His chil- 
dren, most of whom were 
born in South Boston, are all 
talented and interesting. 
His oldest daughter is now 
Sister George at the convent 
of the Notre Dame, Roxbury. 
His oldest son is Dr. 
Charles R. Cavanagh a pros- 
perous practicing physician, 
Richmond street, Dorchester. 
Next is Joseph, a well-known 
lawyer at 23 Court street ; 
John P. and George H., Jr., 
are both associated with their 
father's business. There are 
also Thomas and Gerald, 
Margaret, Mollie, Eva and 
Anna. Mr. Cavanagh rep- 
resented South Boston in the 
common c o u n c i 1 in 1878- 

1879. -^^ i^ ^""O^ o^"*^ <^f 
the incorporators of the 
South Boston Savings Bank 
and a prominent and well- 
known member of the Mas- 
ter Builders' Association ; 
Massachusetts Charitable 
Mechanics Association ; Post 
15, G. A. R.; Union Veter- 
ans Union ; Society of the 
Army of the Potomac, 
and the First Massachusetts 
Association. 




Cavalry 



JOHN CAVANAGH & SON BUILDING 
MOVING COMPANY. 

In the above-named corporation South 
Boston possesses the oldest and largest 
concern in its line in New England. 
The business was started in 1845 by the 
late William P. Cavanagh and three 
generations have been associated with it. 
The founder came to Boston from New 
Bedford and was the pioneer building- 
mover and pile driver. His first wharf 
was on old Federal street where is now 
the South Union station. There was not 
much business carried on in his line at 
that time, but during the history of the 
concern the demand for the work has 
been in keeping with the growth of the 
city, and in recent years the name and 



GEORGE H. CAVANAGH. 

fame of the Cavanaghs has brought them 
innumerable large contracts, many of 
them hundreds of miles away. \\'illiam 
P. Cavanagh removed his wharf to 
Harrison avenue and finally to South 
Boston. His sons John and William R. 
Cavanagh succeeded him and conducted 
the growing business until 1873 when 
they dissolved partnership. John Cav- 
anagh continued alone until 1877 when 
his son William H. Cavanagh became 
his partner and the firm became John 
Cavanagh ^; Son. In 1893 the firm be- 
came incorporated and has since con- 
tinued under the name of the John Cava- 
nagh (S: Son Building Moving Company, its 
officers being John Cavanagh, president, 
and William H. Cavanagh manager and 
treasurer. Since shortly after the close 
of the civil war, when the pile driving 
branch of the business was turned over 
to (ieorge M. Cavanagh, the concern 



238 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



has devoted its energies to building 
moving and general contracting. Among 
the large contracts in building moving 
and shoring carried out by the concern 
the following list comprises but a few : 
Court House at Lowell ; Registry of 
Deeds building, Cambridge ; Manchester 
House, Manchester, N. H. ; Cotton Ex- 
change, Savannah, Ga. ; the shoring of 
the Equitable buildings of both Boston 
and New York ; raising of the Hudson 
River Bridge at Albany, N. Y. ; moving 



House from City Point to Quincy, the 
work being done by float ; the concern 
has also had screws under nearly all the 
large mercantile buildings in the dry- 
goods district, and have fairly earned 
the high reputation accorded them in the 
building world. John Cavanagh, presi- 
dent of the company, came to South 
Boston in 1858, where he resided until 
1868, when he moved his family to 
Braintree and where he now resides. 
William H. Cavanagh, born in Chelsea 




JOHN CAVANAGH. 



Photo, Purdy. WILLIAM H. CAVANAGH. 



of ten brick buildings at once at Chelsea ; 
raising depot at Roxbury Crossing; re- 
moval and placing of General Wool 
Monument at Troy, N. Y., necessitating 
taking a shaft of one hundred tons, and 
monument in several pieces, of 365 tons, 
from floating barge, carrying two miles up a 
steep hill, six hundred feet in height, and 
setting up; moving tall brick chimneys 
in Keene, N. H., Lynn, Salem and else- 
where ,• moving single brick wall, corner 
of Eastern avenue and Atlantic avenue, 
from close to building without breaking 
a pane of glass or spoiling a brick. The 
company occupy yards on Dorchester 
avenue. South Boston, of three acres, 
and employ from thirty to one hundred 
men and a large number of teams. Other 
notable jobs done by them should be 
mentioned the removal of the old Head 



came to this district when an infant. 
He went to Braintree from South Boston 
with his parents, but afterward took up 
his residence here. He has for some 
years resided in Dorchester. 

THOMAS F. BELL. 

One long and honorably identified 
with this district is Thomas F. Bell. He 
was born in Salem, in 183 1. While a 
boy he removed with his widowed mother 
to South Boston. The population of 
the peninsula was then about eight thou- 
sand, and Mr. Bell has watched its rapid 
growth with interest. His education 
was received in the Hawes and Mather 
schools. He was for many years asso- 
ciated with Howard A. Doe, and together 
they erected between two hundred and 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



239 



fifty and three hundred dwelling houses. 
Mr. Bell met with marked success in his 
building enterprises and has been wise 
in his investments. In 1851 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Susan T. 
Trask of Mount Vernon, Maine, now 




THOMAS F. BELL. 

deceased. Three children were born to 
them, all now living : Minnie F., Edward 
E. Bell, and Mrs. E. J. Richards of 
Mechanicville, N. Y. For many years 
Mr. Bell has been actively interested in 
the Republican party, and served as 
chairman of the ward committee for five 
years. For the past seven years he has 
been a vice-president of the Citizens' 
Association. Mr. Bell is also identified 
with the Pilgrim Fathers and a member 
of Mount Washington Colony. He is a 
charter member of the Old Hawes 
School Boys' iVssociation. He was one 
of the organizers of the South Boston 
Republican Club. Although never hold- 
ing an elective position he was appointed 
in 1889, sealer of weights and measures, 
by Mayor Hart. He resides at 826 
Fifth street. 

THE LATE DANIEL F. SULLIVAN. 

A citizen much respected and esteemed 
in business circles of this community, 
was the late Daniel F. Sullivan. He 



was a native of Lowell, Mass., where he 
was born April 7, 1855. His father 
died when he was a young boy, and 
when only ten years of age he was 
obliged to go to work and help provide 
for his mother. He entered the employ 
of one of the thriving mills of that muni- 
cipality, where he remained several years. 
Being a young man of strong athletic 
build, and superior muscular development, 
he became interested in aquatic sports, 
and he is remembered as one of the best 
oarsmen of his time in New England. 
His expert work in this line of sport won 
for him scores of friends who remember 
with pleasure his contests with the 
famous oarsman Kennedy, whom he 
defeated. He was also a member of the 
well-known Sullivan crew of Lowell, who 
were many times victorious. Mr. Sulli- 
van's brother was a member of this 
famous crew. Although much interested 
in athletics he was not unmindful of the 
fact that he must fit himself for a success- 
ful business career, so when he was 
twenty -one years of age he left his native 
city and came to Boston. He entered 
into the liquor business with a well-known 
concern where he remained several 
years. Realizing that his early educa- 
tion had been neglected he improved 
every spare moment, putting aside each 




THE LATE DANIEL F. SULLIVAN. 



!40 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



week a small portion of his earnings so 
that in some future time he might em- 
bark in business for himself. While thus 
employed he also found time to indulge 
in his favorite sport, and entered many 
matched races with decided success. He 
met and defeated that celebrated oars- 
man, George Faulkner, of the Faulkner- 
Reagan crew of Boston, and was also a 
winner over Lynch, another crack sculler. 
Mr. Sullivan was a member of the old 
time Lakeman four, and rowed for many 
years under the colors of the West End 
Club, and the Leverett Boat Club. He 
also won from Meany of Charlestown, 
and took part in many other memorable 
rowing events. In 1885, Mr. Sullivan 
became a resident of this district and 
opened a liquor store at 70 I street. He 
gave his undivided attention to his busi- 
ness and in a short time built up a most 
respectable trade. He established an 
ideal business place and solicited a 
choice family trade. He was kind-hearted 
to the extreme, and his benevolence, 
never contributed to win public approv- 
al, was offered out of a naturally gener- 
ous disposition. He was married Novem- 
ber 12, 1890, to Miss Emma F. McShane, 
daughter of Henry P. McShane, a 
pioneer in the baking business in this 
city. Five children were born to them, 
Henry, Arthur, Francis, Marie and 
Emma. Mr. Sullivan was much devoted 
to his home and the welfare of his family. 
After a brief illness he passed away July 9, 
1900. leaving a name for honesty and be- 
nevolence that will live in the minds of his 
friends, and one never to be forgotten. 
While not a public man, in the sense the 
word is used, he was at all times inter- 
ested in every worthy movement pertain- 
ing to the welfare of this community. He 
was honorably identiiied with many 
societies including the Knights of Honor; 
St. Michael's Court, Catholic Order of 
Foresters ; Knights of St. Rose ; Divi- 
sion 13, A. O. H. ; Mosquito Fleet Yacht 
Club ; South Boston Conclave, Improved 
Order of Heptasophs ; honorary member 
of the Friday Night Club, and president 
of South Boston Liquor Dealers' Asso- 
ciation. His widow and children still 
reside at 761 Broadway. 



J. FRANK O'HARE. 

Councilman J. Frank O'Hare, of Ward 
14, who is now serving his second term 
in the common council, was born of 
Irish parents, in St. Andrews, N. B., 
twenty-six years ago. When very young 
he came to Boston with his parents. He 
attended the Sherwin and Lincoln gram- 




|. FRANK O HARE. 

mar schools. He began life as a news- 
boy at the age of fourteen, and entered 
the printing business, and learned the 
trade of pressman. At the present time 
he is employed by the Boston Co-opera- 
tive Press. Mr. O'Hare has for a number 
of years taken an active interest in the 
labor movement in Boston. He is a 
charter member of Printing Pressmen's 
Union, No. 67, a delegate to the Boston 
Central Labor Union, and has served 
this body as financial secretary, vice- 
president, and as chief marshal of its 
division in the Labor Day parade. He 
is a member of the Ushers' Literary'So- 
ciety; Division 13, A.O. H.; Robert Ful- 
ton Council, Knights of Columbus, a 
director of City Point Catholic Associa- 
tion, and president of Somerset Associates. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



241 



WILLIAM S. CROSBY. 

William S. (Sumner) Crosby is one of 
the former South Boston residents. He 
was born in this district April 22, 1844, 
and his career in this section has been 
marked by honesty and faithful service 
to South Boston. His early education 
was acquired in the Boston public schools 




WILLIAM S. CROSF.Y. 

and at the age of sixteen years he was 
graduated from the English high school 
with one of the highest honors, — that of 
securing a coveted Franklin medal. 
After leaving school he entered the em- 
ploy of his father in the hay and grain 
business and when he attained his major- 
ity, his father at once took him into 
partnership, the firm name being Sumner 
Crosby cS: Son. The firm name has con- 
tinued since the death of his father. Mr. 
Crosby has always devoted his time to 



the business so successfully established 
and maintained by his father, continuing 
in the channels made by the late Sumner 
Crosby. He never has held public office 
of any kind although he has been solic- 
ited on many occasions. He was married 
in 1877 to Miss Eleanor Everett Davis 
of Boston. They have one child. Sumner 
Crosby, a graduate of the Harvard Uni- 
versity class of 1 90 1. Mr. 
Crosby's reputation is well 
known all over the country, 
the firm name of Sumner 
Crosby & Son occupying a 
prominent position in the 
hay and grain market. 

WILLIAM E. BARTLETT. 

No history of South Boston 
would be complete without 
a brief sketch of the life and 
business interests of William 
E. Bartlett. Born at Charles- 
town, November 25, 1835, 
his childhood, with the ex- 
ception of his sixth year, 
when occurred the death of 
his father, passed unevent- 
fully until his eleventh birth- 
day. His mother then be- 
ing left with two daughters 
and he, the only son, the 
financial condition of the 
family being none too good, 
it devolved upon him to 
render such aid as a child 
can. He then secured a po- 
sition, acting as extra hand 
between school hours on 
Studley's omnibuses, a pas- 
senger transportation line 
consisting of four coaches, which han- 
dled all the traftic, at that time, between 
Charlestown and Boston. Thus he con- 
tinued for two years, at the early age of 
thirteen laying aside his school books 
and boyish' sports and taking his place in 
the ranks to fight with men for the reward 
of labor. Rapidly rising, he served as 
regular conductor on the coaches until 
the death of his mother, in 1851, when 
he and his two sisters were sent by their 
guardian to live with their uncle in West 



242 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Newbury. The inactivity of life at his 
uncle's home so wore upon young Bartlett 
that, after two months, he returned to 
Boston and worked upon the coaches 
another year. 

His citizenship in South Boston dates 
from 1852, when he learned the machinist's 
trade at the Mattapan works ; afterwards 
working as a journeyman in the Wil- 




WILLTAM E. BARTLETT. 

marth locomotive works, John Souther 
locomotive works, R. Hoe & Co. works, 
and other equally well known firms, until 
1868. At this time Mr. Bartlett entered 
the steam heating and gas-fitting busi- 
ness on his own account, and has taken 
his place among the solid business men 
of the district. To review his business 
life is unnecessary, for who is not famil- 
iar with Bartlett's establishment at 389 
Broadway. His progressiveness is evi- 
denced by the modern appearance of his 



store and office fittings and his method 
of conducting business. In 1857 Mr. 
Bartlett was married to Miss Clara 
Isabel Dunn, of this district, and here 
they have made their home. Three 
children were born to them, two of whom 
died in infancy, the other Frank N. 
Bartlett, lived to early manhood and died 
in his twentieth year on January 19, 
1881. Mr. Bartlett has been 
prominent in fraternal 
orders being a charter mem- 
ber in many lodges and one 
one of the founders of sev- 
eral of the most successful 
orders. He is a member of 
Rabboni Lodge F. and A. 
M. ; and a life member of 
the Massachusetts Chari- 
table Mechanics Associa- 
tion. Mr. Bart le tt has 
always been an ardent Re- 
publican, taking an active 
interest in the city's welfare, 
and represented his district 
in the common council in 



EDWARD A. TRACY, M.D. 

Since early childhood Dr. 
Edward A. Tracy has re- 
sided in South Boston. He 
graduated at the Lawrence 
grammar school at the head 
of his class; and in 1891 
was graduated from Har- 
vard medical school, after 
having won a Baningar 
scholarship. At the time of 
his graduation, he held the 
position of house-surgeon 
at the Carney Hospital, and he soon 
after engaged in practice in this district. 
Early in his practice he saw the ineffi- 
ciency of plaster-of-paris casts used in sur- 
gical cases and invented his wood fibre 
splints to take their place. In this and his 
X-ray investigations, his discoveries have 
been of value to the medical and surgical 
profession. By the use of his wood-plas- 
tic splint, now in general use in surgery, 
ordinary practitioners can successfuly 
splint an injured limb. At the first Pan- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



243 



American Medical Congress held at 
Washington in 1893, Dr. Tracy presented 
a paper entitled " A Brief Splint-Tech- 
nolog}^ for Svu-geons." In this and 
later papers, received by the medical 
profession most appreciatively, he demon- 
strated a system of surgical splinting, 
now coming into universal use through- 
out the United States and Canada. At 
the World's Fair at Chicago, 
Dr. Tracy exhibited a large 
number of his surgical 
splints , and was awarded 
a medal and diploma at the 
hands of the late eminent 
surgeon, Ernest Hart, and 
his exhibit being the only 
one from this district, 
brought distinction to South 
Boston. In 1895, he pre- 
sented to the profession " A 
New Method for the Control 
of the Spine." He has also 
invented a spinal jacket, de- 
scribed in the " Boston Medi- 
cal and Surgical Journal " of 
Nov. 20, 1900; destined to 
take the place of leather and 
plaster-of-Paris jackets now 
in use because of its light- 
ness, cleanliness and supe- 
rior efficiency. In 1897, Dr. 
Tracy contributed to the 
"Journal of the American 
Medical Association" an 
original article entitled "The 
Fallacies of X-ray Pictures" 
and the stand he then took 
is now supported and 
adopted by the leading sur- 
geons of America. By the re- i'/u>to. cusi, 
quest of its members, he read 
before the New York County Medical Soci- 
ety, in 1898, a paper entitled " A safe and 
Rapid Method of Joint and Bone Fixation" 
and exhibited his methods and apparatus 
for the treatment of the various bones and 
joints of the body. Dr. Tracy has also 
contributed to the medical press : " The 
Passing of Plaster," " Orthopaedics and 
the General Practitioner," " The Treat- 
ment of Colles' fracture," " Wrist Joint 
Injuries," " A New Apparatus for the 
Treatment of Dislocated Collar-bone," 



" Modern Treatment of Fractures," 
" Scientific Surgical Splinting," "Pott's 
Disease of the Spine, Treatment by a 
New Brace," " The Treatment of Tuber- 
cular Hip and Knee Joint Diseases," 
He is an active member of the American 
Medical Association, having attended 
and contributed original papers at its an- 
nual meetings in Milwaukee, Baltimore, 




KDWARI) A. IRACV, M.D. 

Philadelphia, and Atlantic City, lie is 
also a member of the Massachusetts 
Medical Society; Harvard Alumni As- 
sociation ; Lawrence School, and South 
Boston Citizens' Associations. 

DANIEL L. PRENDERGAST. 

One of South Boston's solid men of 
brains, noted for marked executive abili- 
ty, is Mr. Daniel Leroy Prendergast. His 
interest in our district has been evinced 



244 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



many times. He was born in 1857, near 
the foot of Summer street, and when a 
child his parents moved to Washington 
Village. He attended the old Andrew 
school, then the Bigelow school, from 
which he was graduated in 1 871, and 
later the English high school, from which 
he was graduated in 1874 under Charles 
M. Cumston, one of the greatest masters 




DANIEL L. PRENDKRCAS 



the city has ever had. Mr. Prendergast 
began his business career in the Boston 
office of the treasurer of the Hamilton 
and Appleton companies of Lowell, and 
his integrity and pronounced ability were 
responsible for his rise to the trusted 
position of transfer and corporation 
clerk of the Appleton Company, which 
place was originally held by John A. 
Lowell, the founder of the Lowell Institute. 
In 1898 Mr. Prendergast became asso- 
ciated with the Boston Elevated Railway 



Company as real estate agent, and to-day 
he looks after million of dollars' worth of 
property, and conducts the affairs of the 
office he holds with a marked skill and 
lidelity that commands the unstinted 
praise of the highest officials of the cor- 
poration which employs him. Mr. Pren- 
dergast has for years been one of the 
most fervent friends that the Carney 
Hospital of this district has 
ever had, and for the past 
fifteen years has been chair- 
man of the committee in 
charge of the annual con- 
certs of that institution. He 
originated the bill which re- 
sulted in a state appropria- 
tion of ten thousand dollars, 
for a new out-patient de- 
partment of the hospital. 
Mr. Prendergast has been 
D. D. S. K. of the Knights 
of Columbus ; was for two 
years grand knight of 
Beacon and James E. Hayes 
Council, Knights of Colum- 
bus ; was two years presi- 
dent of his class association ; 
has for ten years been a 
member of the executive 
committee of the Young 
Men's Democratic Club; 
has been a member of the 
Clover Club since its organ- 
ization; is vice-president of 
the Bigelow School Alumni 
Association ; and is a mem- 
ber of the Charitable Irish 
Society ; the New England 
Street Railway Club and the 
Beacon Association, a build- 
ing and improvement so- 
880 Mr. Prendergast was 
Miss Susan M. Maley, a 
daughter of one of the most highly re- 
spected old citizens of this district, and 
two children, a beautiful daughter of 
seventeen, and a son of six, have blessed 
the union. 

W. S. MILLIGAN. 

One of the most progressive business 
men in Boston, is Mr. William S. Milli- 
gan, who carries on a large hardware 



ciety. In 
married to 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



245 



store in Dewey square. He was born 
in this city December 28, 1858, on 
Oliver street, and attended the primary 
school in High street place. His parents 
removed to South Boston when he was 
eight years of age. He attended the 
Lawrence school until 1870, and then 
went into the business of his father, who 
had already started in the hardware 




Photo, Purdy. 



W. S. MILLICrAN. 



trade. Mr. Milligan upon the death of 
his father assumed control of the inter- 
ests of the firm, and together with his 
brother's help, built up an enterprising 
business. Three years ago, his brother 
died, and since then he has conducted 
the prosperous store with increasing 
success. He is a sharp, shrewd, indus- 
trious and popular business man, and 
his relations to the trade are extensively 
known and valued. Along the Cape 
towns and in New Hampshire and Ver- 



mont, as well as in Maine, his straight- 
forward and honorable business career 
has extended and gained him a wide 
reputation. Mr. Milligan is a member 
of Bethesda Lodge, 30, L (). (). F. ; St 
Paul's Lodge, F. and A. M ; St. Matthews 
Chapter, R. A. M. ; St. Omer Comman- 
dery, Knights Templar; Boston Council, 
R. A. S. M., National Lancers : Associate 
member of Dahlgren Post 
2, G. A. R. ; South Boston 
Citizens' Association, and 
one of the vestrymen in 
St. Matthew's Episcopal 
church. In 1886, he mar- 
ried Helena A. Neale, and 
three children of this 
marriage are now living : 
James, Helen F., and Wil- 
liam S. Milligan. In his so- 
cial relations, Mr. Milligan 
has proved himself an ever- 
kind and generous person, 
and he has hosts of friends. 
His residence, one of the 
most charmingly situated 
in Boston, is at 56 Thomas 
park, and his place of busi- 
ness is at 669-671 Atlantic 
avenue. 

WILLIAM P. HICKEY. 

A young man long identi- 
fied with the welfare of this 
district and political inter- 
ests of Ward 14, is William 
P. Hickey. He is the son 
of Thomas and Catherine 
Hickey, life-long residents, 
and was born November i 7, 
1 87 1. He attended the 
Lincoln grammar school but before com- 
pleting the full course, he became em- 
ployed with A, M. Stetson & Co., where 
he worked in the lumber department as 
an apprentice surveyor. After remain- 
ing about four years he went to the Suf- 
folk Manufacturing Company, one of the 
largest suspender concerns in tlie country, 
then located at the corner of L and First 
streets, where he performed the duties of 
shipper for two years. At twenty, he 
secured a position with the Everett Piano 



246 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



Company, where he remained until 1898. 
Mr. Hickey was once deeply interested 
in military affairs and was a member of 
Company A, First Regiment, M. V. M. 
In 1897 he was elected in Ward 14 to 
the common council, where he remained 
three years. While in the council, his 
ability was recognized and he was placed 
on several important committees, includ- 




ing park, treasury, collecting, markets 
and election departments. He also 
served on the Farragut and Labor Day 
committees. Through his efforts an 
order was passed, appropriating $15,000 
for a gymnasium and bath at the foot of 
L street. He was an advocate of the 
playground in Ward 1 4 ; also introduced 
many other measures greatly benefiting 
the district. He has been a tireless 
worker for Democracy, and in the coun- 
cil was one of the youngest members. 



Living as he does in the Gate of Heaven 
church parish, he has associated himself 
with many church movements. He is 
identified with Division 13, A. O. H., a 
past president of the Somerset Asso- 
ciates, and a member of the South Boston 
Citizens' Association. Mr. Hickey is at 
present a collector in the Boston Bath 
Department, a position he has filled 
the past two years with 
efficiency. He was elected 
several times a delegate to 
city and state conventions. 
He has won many staunch 
friends by his integrity of 
purpose. He has always 
stood firm for that which is 
honorable and just. He is un- 
married, and resides with his 
parents at 485 First street. 

EDWARD L. LOGAN. 

One of South Boston's 
bright young men is Edward 
Lawrence Logan, son of 
Col. L. J. Logan. He is a 
native of this district and 
was born January 20, 1875, 
graduating from the Lin- 
coln grammar school in 1889 
and the Boston Latin school, 
with distinction, in 1894. 
During his Latin school 
course in military drill he 
won a gold m e d a 1 , first 
prize, for individual excel- 
lence and was major of the 
school battalion. He fur- 
ther pursued his studies at 
Harvard College graduat- 
ing in 1898, and is now at- 
tending his last year at Harvard law school. 
For two years he was president of the Cath- 
olic Club at Harvard, and is now presi- 
dent of the Harvard Democratic Club 
and is an honorary member of the " In- 
stitute of 1770." He is also connected with 
the following societies. City Point Catho- 
lic Association ; Mosquito Fleet Yacht 
Club ; Somerset, Association ; Maj. M. J. 
O'Connor Camp, Legion of Spanish War 
Veterans ; and Division 13, A. O. H. 
At the outbreak of the Spanish war he 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



247 




W. J. FITZGERALD. 

Now a well-established young business 
man is W. J. Fitzgerald, the real estate 
and insurance agent, who has success- 
fully conducted business at his olfice in' 
the South Boston Business Exchange on 
Broadway, for the past year. He was 
born in this district and is a son of Red- 
mond J. Fitzgerald, now a resident of 
Dorchester, who has for many years 
been prominent in business and public 
affairs, and who has lived most of his 
life in South Boston. W. J. Fitzgerald 
obtained his education in the primary 
and Lawrence schools, and afterwards 



EDWARD L. LOGAN. 

gave up his studies at the law school and 
went to the front with the Ninth Massa- 
chusetts Infantry, U. S. V., as sergeant- 
major. He has served Ward 14 in the 
common council and secured the new 
and costly bath house now being con- 
structed at foot of K street. He is now 
serving his first term in the legislature. 





CAPTAIN HARKV I>AWSON. 

POLICE STATION 12. 



took a course at the Bryant \: Slratton 
business college. Previous to engagmg 
in his present business, he held the posi- 
tion of superintendent of the Boston 
Shoe Tool Company, where he was em- 
ployed for four years. With a wide 
acquaintance with property owners and 
determination to succeed, he established 
himself in business with the result above 
stated He has the care of much prop- 
erty in this district, Dorchester and 
elsewhere, and although one of the young- 
est in his line of business, he is by no 
means the least successful. He is a 
member of the Mosquito Fleet ^cht 
Club and Dorchester Gentlemen's Dnv- 
inir Club. 



248 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



A. F. WALTZINGER. 

Nine years in business in South Boston 
have made A. F. Waltzinger favorably 
known in this district. He is engaged 
"in the manufacture of confectionery and 
ice cream, and his highly attractive store 
is located at 387 Broadway, but until re- 
cently he was in the Bethesda Block, 
409 Broadway. His establishment is 
"one of the most attractive in Boston. 
He not only manufactures a large portion 
of the confectionery and all the ices and 
sherbets sold at his store, furnished often- 
times in large quantities for social gather- 
ings, but all of his goods, which comprise 
toothsome delicacies. Mr. Waltzinger 
is a native of the Quaker City, and hav- 
ing learned the trade of a confectioner 
soon after leaving school, has been en- 
gaged in this line during his whole busi- 
ness life. Coming to Boston in his early 
manhood, he entered the employ of 
Chace & Co., a concern for many years 
famous for the manufacture of lozenges, 
and while at this factory, made the lirst 
hard stick candy, which has since become 
so saleable in New England. Since en- 
tering business in South Boston, Mr. 
Waltzinger has won a high reputation 
for making pure and palatable goods, — 
a name he has justly earned. He is a 




J. H. CORNEY. 



resident of Dorchester, and is a Knight 
Templar Mason, possessing a wide ac- 
quaintance in business and social circles. 

SOUTH BOSTON POST OFFICE. 

The earliest record of mail being han- 
dled in South Boston dates back to 1841. 
Mr. Thomas Spinney, a printer, doing 
business in Boston and living on C 
street, near Gold, brought letters from 
Boston to South Boston, which were de- 
livered to him by the postmaster of Bos- 
ton, upon presentation of written order 
of addressee, and he delivered them on 
payment of two cents each letter. Later, 
and previous to 1849, the postmaster of 
Boston gave permission to Mr. Hunting 
to take from the office letters for delivery 
in South Boston. 

In 1849 arrangements were entered 
into between Mr. Patterson and the post- 
master to take charge of the " Penny 
Post" delivery of mail in Boston, South 
Boston and East Boston. Mr. Patterson 
arranged with Mr. Caleb Gill to act as 
sub-postmaster for this district. His store 
at that time was at the corner of Broad- 
way and B street. During the year 1849 
it was removed to the brick block corner 
of C street and Broadway. The mail 
was brought there and dispatched twice 
each week day, the South Boston Omni- 
bus Company doing the transporting. 
Some letters were delivered to stores and 
residences by clerks in the employ of 
Mr. Gill. This continued until 1855, at 
which time a Mr. lordan was appointed. 
He was in the dry goods business at the 
corner of B street and Broadway. He 
held the office but one year, and in 1856 
Mr. E. B. Spinney was appointed, and 
moved the office to the brick store, now 
218 Broadway. Mr. Spinney continued 
in office until March 7, 1863, upon which 
date Mr. George W. Bail was appointed, 
who removed the office to E. H. Gill's 
store, 245 Broadway. June, 1864, the 
office was again removed, this time to 
1 63 Broadway, and from there to Lyceum 
Hall, corner of E street and Broadway. 
Mr. Bail was in office until 1867. when 
the office was changed from a sub-post- 
master to clerk in charge, and he re- 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 249 

signed. Mr. Thomas Burns, a clerk On November 15, 1876, Mr William F 
m the oftice, was put in charge, being Clerk was appointed as superintendent' 
appointed as supernitendent, January i, and, during his term, the business out- 




P.m^^m 




SOUTH BOSTON POST OFFICE KM I'l.OVKK.S. 



1869, and serving until the time of his grew the office space, and it was located 

death, November, 1876. While Mr. at 474 Broadway. Mr. Clerk remained 

Burns was in charge, the office was in charge of the office until March -o, 

moved to 417 Broadway, near F street. 1888. At the time of Mr. Clerk's ap- 



■50 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



pointment there were twelve street letter 
boxes, and the oflfice employed four 
clerks and eight letter carriers. 

Mr. John H. Giblin succeeded Mr. 
Clerk and served until Sept. i, 1891, at 
which time Mr. H. S. Treadwell, the 
present superintendent, was appointed 
by Postmaster Thomas N. Hart. Up to 
the above date all mail was dispatched 
and received through the Boston post 
office. During the year 1891 such 
changes were made as enabled the dis- 
patch and reception of mail to and from 
the different railway postoffices, thereby 
saving many hours in delivery to ad- 
dressee. There are nineteen mails re- 
ceived, and nineteen dispatched each 
week day. 

At the present time there are forty-six 
street letter boxes, and five street pack- 
age boxes in the district. The growth of 
business obliged the removal from 274 
Broadway, and January i, 1899, the office 
was established at 399 and 401 Broadway. 

The office force consists at this time of 
a superintendent, an assistant superin- 
tendent, eight clerks and twenty-seven 
regular and two substitute carriers. 

THE ROSTER OF EMPLOYEES : 

H. S. Treadwell, superintendent; W. 
A. Turner, assistant superintendent. 

Clerks : John J. Loring, Daniel J. 
Driscoll, William E. Wellings, Joseph D. 
Bowden, William J. Keefe, Asa N. Smith, 
John J. Lavery, Edward P. McGrory. 

Carriers: S. H. Appleton, S. W. Bab- 
cock, M. J. Brennan, Edward Brown, T. 
J. Curtis, T. F. Dillon, J. P. Duffy, F. X. 
Henne.sey, J. J. Howard, William Hunt, 
C. J. Kelley,"j. A. Kelley, T. J. Lane, 
C. W. Mehegan, P. J. Murray. R. J. 
Neale, H. E. Norris, j. J. Norton, J. E. 
O'Leary, M. J. Peters, T. W. Ramsey, 
C. J. Rhoades, A. A. Robinson, D. J. 
Rull, J. J. Smith, E. Whittemore, T. F. 
Welch. 

Substitute carriers: J. J. Hogan, W. 
E. Hurley. 

Henry S. Treadwell, superintendent of 
the South Boston postoffice, was born in 
Ipswich, Mass., September 7, 1843 and 
is a descendent of one of the oldest fami- 
lies of that town. Notable among its 



members are Professors Daniel and Jabes 
Treadwell of Harvard College. He was 
educated in the grammar and high 
schools, after which he served an appren- 
ticeship for two years with Mr. Jesse 
Fewkes of Newton Corner, Mass. At 
this time (1862), the country being at 
war, Mr. Treadwell enlisted in Boston, 
serving in Color Company C, Fifty-third 
Massachusetts Infantry, under Col. 
John W. Kimball. He was in active ser- 
vice on the Mississippi river and took 
part in all the actions of the Port Hudson 




SUPERINTENDENT HENRY S. TREADWELL. 

campaign. He was discharged Decem- 
ber 2, 1863, on account of expiration of 
term of service. After the war he re- 
turned to his trade, and after finishing 
his apprenticeship he established himself 
in business at the corner of Hudson and 
Kneeland streets afterwards associating 
himself with Daniel Shales & Co., now 
Shales & May. July 3, 1881, he entered 
the railway mail service, doing service on 
the railway postoffice between Boston and 
Albany, N. Y., until March i, 1888, at 
which time he resigned to take charge of 
the estate of Otis D. Dana, the affairs of 
which he conducted to the satisfaction of 
the owner. September i, 1891 he was 
appointed superintendent of the local 
postoffice, by the then postmaster Thomas 
N. Hart, now mayor of Boston. Mr. 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



51 



Treadwell is an active member of Phillips 
Congregational church, and of several 
secret and fraternal societies. He en- 
joys the distinction and honor of being 
at the present time supreme governor of 
the United Order of the Pilgrim Fathers 
of the New England States, being a mem- 
ber of Mount Washington Colony. He 
is also a member and past-commander of 
Dahlgren Post 2, 
G. A. R. ; Improved 
Order Heptasophs; 
Ancient Order 
United Workmen ; 
St. Paul's Lodge, F. 
& A. M., and the 
South Boston Citi- 
zen s ' Association, 
being one of the orig- 
inal m embers of 
the latter n a m e d 
association, and 
chairman of the 
committee empow- 
ered to issue a his- 
tory of South Bos- 
ton. He settled in 
South Boston April 
I, 1868, and has 
since taken an ac- 
tive part in all pub- 
lic matters of inter- 
est to this district. 
He was m a r r i e d 
October 17, 187 1, to 
Miss Lydia B. Lord, 
of Ipswich, Mass. 
Five children being- 
born to them ; Helen Lord, Mabel Jewett, 
Abbie Brown (deceased), Arthur Ed- 
ward and Ida Louise. 

THE CARNEY HOSPITAL. 

The Carney Hospital has won an 
honorable reputation, and is always open 
for the reception and treatment of 
patients regardless of race, color or re- 
ligion. Some of the most noted city 
physicians are connected with this 
charitable institution, which by being 
accessible in cases of emergency, has 
prevented much misery and saved many 
human lives. The hospital is the third 



largest in Boston. It is under the charge 
of the Roman Catholic Sisters of Charity, 
St. Vincent de Paul and is situated near 
the top of the hill in Dorchester Heights, 
in the center of South Boston. In 1863, 
Andrew Carney of Boston, purchased the 
land where the hospital now stands, and 
gave it to the Sisters of Charity. The 
gift was made to Sister Ann Alexis, su- 




THE CARNKV HOSPITAL. 

perior of the orphan asylum on Camden 
street, Boston. The first patient received 
was on June 9, 1863. The hospital was 
first supported entirely by the contribu- 
tions of benevolent persons, but now 
receives appropriations from the state. 
It soon outgrew its building, known as 
the Howe mansion, and in 1865 plans 
were made for a brick building. The 
property was then placed in the hands of 
the Carney Hospital corporation. One 
wing of the hospital and part of the pres- 
ent chapel building were begun in 1865, 
and finished in 1868. at a cost of about 
one hundred thousand dollars. Mr, 
Carney contributed much of this money, 



25: 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



who with his family have given about 
seventy-five thousand dollars in all. 
Sister Gonzaga was appointed Sister 
Superior November 6, 1889. A training 
school for nurses was established in 1892. 
Application for admission to the hospital 
may be made at any time, but preferably 
at 9 A. M. or 3 p. M. Acute cases and 
accidents are received at all times. 

PERKINS INSTITUTION. 

The Perkins Institution for the Blind, 
that was located on Mount Washington 
in the year 1838, still continues its bene- 
ficent work under the direction of Prof. 
Michael Anagos, who succeeded the 
founder of the institution, Dr. Samuel G. 
Howe, and who has proved himself equal 
to the emergencies that he has con- 
fronted. The success of Dr. Howe in 
educating Laura Bridgman was wonder- 
ful, but his accomplished son-in-law has 
achieved the marvelous. Without any 
detraction of Dr. Howe, it may be said 
that Professor Anagnos has taught to 
Helen Keller and Edith Thomas all that 
Dr. Howe taught Laura Bridgman, and 
in addition has given them the power of 
speech. Professor Anagnos has estab- 
lished a kindergarten for the blind, 
which serves as a preparatory school for 
the parent institution, where the common 
school and higher branches of education 
are taught. Vocal and instrumental 
music offer special advantages for blind 
students, and an excellent brass brand is 
a feature of the school. A printing oftice 
is operated in connection with the school, 
and books in raised letters are printed 
for the blind, who read them by the sense 
of touch. The manufacture of mat- 
tresses and cane-seated chairs, and the 
upholstery of furniture are other indus- 
trial features. 

After various worthy attempts to es- 
tablish a school for the blind in Boston, 
in 1839 the Mount Washington school on 
Dorchester Heights, the building which 
was erected for the purpose of a hotel 
was secured. Thomas H. Perkins was 
the principal donor to the noble effort. 
In grateful appreciation of this liberality 
the trustees connected his name per- 



manently with the establishment, and, 
accordingly, at their recommendation, 
the corporation passed, at a meeting held 
March 15, 1839, ^ resolve "That from 
and after the first day of April next, this 
institution shall be called and known by 
the name of the Perkins Institution and 
Massachusetts Asylum for the Blind." 
In 1840, an additional department was 
opened " for the purpose of providing 
employment for those pupils who have 
acquired their education and learned to 
work, but who could not find employ- 
ment and carry on business alone." 
With the exception of $5,000 toward the 
erection of the new workshop, in 1850, 
the state had furnished no means for 
building purposes until, by a resolve of 
1868, the sum of $15,000 was allow^ed 
for buildings. Later the commonwealth 
donated $80,000. By the death of Dr. 
Howe, which took place on January 9, 
1876, the institution lost its life-long 
friend and champion. At a meeting of 
the corporation held October 3, 1877, it 
was "Voted, that the institution shall 
hereafter be called and known by the 




MRS. JULIA WARD HOWE. 




\VM. H. FLYNN. MAJ M. |. O'CONNOR WILLIAM B HARDING 




JOSIAH A. STEARNS LARKIN UUNTON. SAM 1. C. liOUC. 

A GROUP OF NOTED RESIDENTS, NOW DECEASED. 



254 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



name of Perkins Institution and Massa- 
chusetts School for the BUnd." The 
state of Massachusetts has gradually in- 
creased its appropriation from $6,000 
in 1833 to $30,000 in 1900. Other 
New England states continue to pay 
in proportion to the number of their 
pupils ; and friends of the blind have lib- 
erally aided from time to time by dona- 
tions and bequests. 

CHURCHES. 

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. 

The church of Our Lady of the Ro- 
sary, situated on Sixth street between C 
and D streets, is the youngest Catholic 
parish in this section of the city. This 
church was erected to relieve SS. Peter 
and Paul church. Rev. lohn J. Mc- 
Nulty of Dedhani was chosen to erect a 
new place of worship. The church was 
built, and mass was said for the first 
time there on Christmas, 1884. Dedica- 
tion exercises were not held until Octo- 
ber, 18, 1885. Then the congregation 
was small, numbering less than two thou- 
sand. The church building is well 
lighted, and amply accommodates the 




CHURCH OK OUR LADY OF THK ROSARY. 



present congregation. Father McNulty 
proved a tireless worker, and during his 
many years' service at the church, made 
its influence felt throughout the com- 
munity. Father McNulty celebrated in 
1898, his silver jubilee and in 1900 was 
succeeded by Rev. lohn D. Colbert who 
was appointed as his successor. Asso- 
ciated with him as curates are Revs. 
James H. McAvoy and Denis P. Crim- 
mins. 

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF CZENSTOCHOWA. 

The church of Our Lady of Czenstoch- 
owa, Boston street, is Polish Catholic, 
andwasbuiltin 1893. Up to this time these 
people from the fatherland had no sep- 
arate place of worship. Rev. John 
Chimielinski, formerly at the church of 
the Sacred Heart, North End was selected 
by Archbishop Williams to establish 
the above church here. The site where 
the church now stands was purchased, 
and in a few months the dedication ex- 
ercises were held. The structure, attrac- 
tive in design, was built to accommodate 
nearly seven hundred. While the mem- 
bership is not large compared with other 
Catholic churches, it is steadily increas- 
ing. Here the preaching is in the 
native tongue and Polish hymns 
are sung by the congregation. 
Not only the Polish people of 
this section attend here, but 
those of neighboring suburbs. 
The founder of the society is as- 
sisted by Rev. John J. Czubek. 
The latter was ordained priest at 
Brighton Seminary, Christmas, 
1898. They now have supervi- 
sion over the Polish Catholics of 
Providence as well as in the Bos- 
ton diocese. Father Chimielin- 
ski is yet a young man and a 
native of Poland. Both he and 
his assistant speak English with 
fluency. 

CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER. 

On Sunday afternoon, July 
25, 1875, St. Matthews chapel 
was organized in the house of 
Benjamin Dean. A Sunday- 
school was formed by Rev. John 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



■ss 



Right, rector of St. Matthews 
church. In August of the 
same year they removed to 
the studio of Prof. Walter 
Smith. In 1882, after hav- 
ing been closed for several 
months, it was re-opened in 
Dean Hall by Rev. A. F. 
\^^ashburn. The last ser- 
vice held here was in 1885. 
The first service held in the 
new church was held May 
13, 1885. On June 7, 1887, 
the name was changed to 
the Church of the Redeemer. 
The membership is gradu- 
ally increasing, due to the 
efforts on the part of the 
different rectors. 

Rev. A. B. Shields, the 
rector of the church of the 
Redeemer was born in 
Nova Scotia, August 15, 1861. His 
father was a clergyman of the Baptist de- 
nomination in that province. At the age 
of fourteen he entered Horton Academy, 
Wolfboro, N. S. His parents moved to 
the United States, and in 1880 he en- 
tered Worcester Academy from which 
he graduated. In 1882 he became a 
student at Boston University from which 
he took the degrees of Ph.B. and A.B. 
He spent a year at Brown University, 





REV. A. B. SHIELDS. 



CHURCH UK THK KKDKKMKK. 

where he earned the A.M. He also took 
special courses at the Theological school 
in Cambridge, and did post-graduate work 
at Harvard, receiving his degree of A.M. 
in 1898. He was ordained deacon in 
1889, and in less than a year later was 
advanced to the priesthood. Before 
coming to South Boston he was rector at 
Waltham, Mass., and Pontiac, R. I. 

CITY POINT METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH. 

When, in 1873, Bishop W. R. Mallalieu, 
pastor of St. John's Methodist Episcopal 
church, appointed Edwin B. Spinney a 
class leader, he laid the foundation of 
the City Point Methodist Episcopal 
church society. In December, 1878, an 
organization was formed. This associa- 
tion had as pastors, Revs. F. Jones, 
W. G. Grant, J. L. Monroe and Charles 
Tilton. At the 1883 session of the New 
England conference, a petition was pre- 
sented requesting this body to recognize 
it as a church organization. The request 
was granted, and Rev. Charles Tilton 
was made the first pastor. During his 
ministry the land upon which the church 
now stands was secured, and during the 
pastorate of Rev. (}. H. Perkins, who 
followed, the church building was erected. 
The following pastors were Revs. Jo- 



256 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 




Lmi-u 



Mil 



seph Candlin, M. H. A. Evans, W. A. 
Wood, W. A. Thurston and the present 
pastor, Rev. W. A. Mayo. Under Mr. 
Thurston, the church was entirely reno- 
vated. The influence of this church is 
feh throughout City Point. The trustees 
are Napthali Rich, John Morrish, Sam- 




Xr MF/I'HOT) 




INLAID MAHOCANY BUREAU 

In possession of John H. Means, whose ancestor Francis Wells, Esq., brought it 
from London about 1723 in his own ship. " Ve Hampstead Gallev." Wells' 
daughter, Elisabeth, married Samuel Adams the Patriot. 



uel H. Guptill, Addi- 
son C. Damon, J. L. 
Publicover, W. C. M. 
Howe and T. C. Abra- 
ham. 

Rev. W. A. Mayo, 
pastor of City Point 
Methodist Episcopal 
cliurch. is a native of 
Portland, where he 
was educated in the 
public schools. He 
took his theological 
course in Boston Uni- 
versity Before joining 
the New England con- 
f e r e n c e he was a 
member of the New 
Hampshire confer- 
ence, where he served 
as a pastor in Sand- 
wich, Warren, Salem 
and Derry, N. H. He 
has been a member 
of the New England 
conference for six 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



!57 



years, four of which he was pastor at 
Mattapan, where through his efforts a 
new edifice was erected and the mem- 
bership enlarged. He then spent a year 
at Newton Upper P^alls. In his present 
charge he is a faithful, appreciated, and 
constant worker. 

THE CHURCH HOME. 

The Church Home for destitute and 
orphaned children began in a small way 
in June, 1854. An Episcopal clergyman. 



came in steadily and to such an extent 
that over fifty applications were refused 
for lack of accommodations. The trustees 
took the matter under serious consider- 
ation, and the year i860, saw more ac- 
ceptable changes taking place, for the 
house on Charles street was not only 
purchased but a small building adjoin- 
ing was made serviceable. Wealthy 
Episcopalians and others took an inter- 
est in the project. In 1864 land was 
purchased on the present site, and a build- 
ing erected at an outlay of $60,000. 




THE CHURCH HOME. 



the Rev. Dr. Charles Mason, rector of 
Grace church on Temple street, seeing 
the need of such a place made a begin- 
ning in this direction by hiring a house 
on North Russell street, where parents 
and children were admitted, food and 
clothing furnished, and rooms leased at 
low rents to the poor. 

The work grew, and in the following 
year, a house on Charles street was 
rented for three years, and seven chil- 
dren were admitted. It was an undertak- 
ing destined to commend itself to the 
benevolent and the personality of Dr. 
Mason added much to its influence and 
popularity. 

Applications for admission to the Home 



This building still serves the in- 
terests of the Home. Many a child 
has been rescued from the street and 
placed here, and many a public man 
owes a debt of gratitude to the fostering 
care of this place. For many years, the 
Home was in charge of the Misses 
Dexter. Miss Martha Dexter died in 1896. 
The Misses Hausers,the present matrons, 
attained good results in the moral 
and mental training. Rev. A. E. George 
is the chaplain. The institution, from 
the work it accomplishes, has won public 
interest to a marked degree. The loca- 
tion at City Point is healthful, and the 
many bright children who are given homes 
there attend the public schools. 



25! 



HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON. 



ADDENDA AND ERRATA. 

Page 48, other societies Ancient Order 
Hibernians, Divisions 36, 57, 58, 60, 66 
and 74 ; Knights of Coknnbus, Pere Mar- 
quette Council ; A. O. U. W., Mount 
Washington Lodge, Degree of Honor; 
St. Augustine's Lyceum, noted for produc- 
tions of drama and light opera ; Matta- 
pannock Club, composed of South Boston 
women ; South Boston Aid Association ; 
South Boston Protestant Association ; so- 
cial clubs, Ingomar, Golf, Tremont Cycle, 
South Boston Wheelmen and Social 
Cycle ; political clubs, Jefferson (Ward 
14), Monticello (Ward 15), Somerset, 
Tammany and Twenty-five Associates. 
Banks, add Mount Washington Coopera- 
tive Bank. 

Page 50, Spanish war, other officers 
from South Boston, Joseph J. Kelley, 
major ; Thomas F. Quinlan and James 
F. Walsh, captains ; James A. Cully, 
Joseph J. Foley and William J. Casey, 
lieutenants. 

Page 68, SS. Peter and Paul church, 
Rev. Charles A. O'Connor, curate. 

Page 83, additional members South 
Boston Citizens' Association, James A. 
Devine, Theo. Baert, John H. Clifford, 
C. B. Gillespie, R. W.' Gloag, J. Frank 
O'Hare, J. J. Sullivan, Louis H. Vincent, 
L H. Van Endem, Israel C. Wright. 

Page 124, children of S. W. John- 
son, — Horace Samuel, Carrie Provan 
and Alvin Amos. 

Page 127, Capt. Elijah H. Goodwin 
instead of Elijah J. 

Page 196, George M. Krey, son of 
Henry, instead of George M. 

Page 218, Rush Bros, should read pro- 
vision business in West End instead of 
West End Street Railway, Reuben, 
secretary not chairman Ward 15 com- 
mittee. 

Photographs made for this book by 
George N. Cassill not credited under re- 
productions, Broadway from G street, 
District Court House, East Fourth street, 
Dorchester Bay and Iron Pier from Life- 
saving Station. Marine Park, Head 
House, the great Iron Pier from the 
Head House, Farragut statue, public 
school buildings, Hawes Unitarian, Dor- 



chester Street Methodist Episcopal, 
Fourth Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, 
City Point Methodist and Church of 
the Redeemer, Carney Hospital and 
Church Home, portrait of Rev. George J. 
Patterson, Dr. W. J. Gallivan, W. H. and 
James J. Murphy, John Hogan and J. H. 
Corney. 




Photo, Cas 



HOMAS F. WALSH. 
(SEE pa(;e 160.) 




JOHN S. GODFREY. 

PRESIDENT LAWRENCE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. 



g g r 

?= w S 
¥ t z 



o r^ o I* 



a S 




INDEX TO CONTENTS. 



Adams, C. H....200. 
Allen, D....225. 

Alger, Cyrus 33. 

Armstrong-, Geo. W — 11(5. 
Atteaux, F. E. & Co.... 184. 
Ayer, L. E....217. 
Baldwin, John E....90. 
Barber, Mills D....197. 
Barnes, Thos. H....61. 

Barry, Edward P 91. 

Barry, E. W....208. 
Barry, Thomas J.... 2,30. 
Bartlett, W. E....241. 

Bassett, J. Gardner 5fi. 

Bell, T. F... 239. 

Bent, Adam 34, 117. 

Bishop. Robert.... 177. 
Bird, Henry C....128. 
Bispham, H. C....199. 
Blake, Francis E....11.5. 
Blake, Samuel. .. ..34. 
Bo«ton Wharf Co.... 161. 

Bowen. Henry J 122. 

Bradley, J. Paysan 107. 

Brady, Rev. John J — (;n. 
Brainerd, E. H....101. 
Broadway, 1852.... 10. 
Brooks, Noah, House — 12. 
Burroughs, S. M....227. 
Carew, Charl-esi H....204. 
Cardan, Rev. Alfred J.... 73. 

Carney Hospiital 251. 

Campbell, Francis A — 154. 
Oassill, Geo. N....223. 
Cavaniagh, Geo. H....237. 
Cavanagh, Geo. R....224. 

Cavanagh, John 238. 

Cavanagh, W. H — 238. 

Churches 15, 64-79. 

Church Home.... 257. 
Citdzens' Asso — 81. 
Clancy, J. B.... 89-90. 
Collins, P. A.... 140. 
Conner s, J. F....225. 
Oo'Oik, James A — 153. 
Ooirbeitt, P. B., N. D. and 
F. A.... 125. 

Corcoran, P. & Son ISS. 

Corney, J. H....248. 

Crosby, Sumner 95. 

Crosby, W. S....241. 

Dana, O. D....99. 

Dawson. Capt. Harry — 247. 

Dean, Josiah S 121. 

Dean, Benj 114. 

Dill, Joshua M....64. 
Dillaway. C. O. L....1.35. 
Dillaway, W. E. L....117. 

Dinsmone, C. A 69. 

Drake, Henry A — 149. 
Dri.scoll. M. J.... 104. 

Dunham, Josiah 148. 

Dunham, Josiah, Jr 149. 

Dwight, John F....62. 
K. Fourth St.... 34. 
Ellis, Fred. 0....5.5. 
Elliott, W. E....227. 
Ellis, James.... 214. 
Emmett, Robt... .223. 
Estabrook, R.'s Sons.... ISO. 
Factory Bldgs. Trust. .. .164. 
Fallon', J. D....84, 120. 
Farraguti Statue — 43. 
Palvev. J. F. & W. H....193. 
FeWon & Son.... 162. 
Fitzgerald, W. J.... 247. 
Plaits.... 38. 
Floyd, F. C....228. 



Flvnn. C. P.... 222. 
Gallagher, C. T....105. 
Gallivan, Jas. A — 88. 
Gallivan, W. J.... 100. 
Gardner, F. M....72. 
Gavin, M. F....145. 
George. A. E....65. 
Gloag, R. W....159. 
Godfrey, John S....258. 
Goodwin, Elijah H....127. 
Gordon, H....220. 
Gould, Abram — 33. 
Gray, Hollis R....1.33. 
Gray, Hugh R....212. 
Grover, E. H....210. 
Hale, David.... 113. 
Halev, A. C....234. 
ilallett. ClaneTice....l99. 
Hanks, T.. S. A., J. H....233. 

Hannon, Tim., F. J 231. 

Harden, H. C....58. 
Hatch, H. N....201. 

Hawes, John 32. 

Her-sey Mfg. Co.... 166. 
H lb bard, Thos.... 170. 
Hickev, W. P.... 245. 
Hill, James.... 143. 
Hogan, John.... 203. 
Hopkins. E. D....213. 
Howe, Julia Ward.... 2.52. 
Howe, Samuel G....253. 

Hutchings, Henry 158. 

Huxtable. James 66. 

James, Benj 103. 

James. Geo. B....129. 
Jenney Mfg. Co.... 172. 

Johnson, Robt. J 74. 

Johnson, S. W....123. 
Judkins, C. S....123. 
Kershaw, Robert. .. .201. 

Kenney, Thos. J 155. 

Knight, F. H....70. 
Krey, Geo. M....196. 
Da Forme, Fred P.... 148. 

l.,a Foirme, Vincent 147. 

Lally, P.... 144. 

I^amijard, John J. H....222. 

Lawlev, Geo. & Son 169. 

l.earv, Edw. J.... 1.59. 
Leeks Hill.... 19. 

Leonard. Amos M .53. 

liewis. Danl. and Jas 198. 

Lincoln, Geo. H. & Co.... 182. 
Locke. John H....126. 
Logan, E. L....246. 
Long, J. H....183. 
MacDonnell. John.... 160. 
Manufacturing. . . .44-46, 161-1S9 
Marshall, S. M....142. 
Martin, Johni B....80. 
Mayo, Rev. W. A.... 256. 
McCormack, E. R....23.3. 
McHugh. John R....225. 
Molsaac. Daniel ■V....226. 
McNutt. J. B....229. 
Mattapan D. & T. Co.... 190. 

McCullough, William 97. 

McTiP'ish, Robert 1.55. 

McNarv, W. S....S6. 
Miller, William J.... 141. 
Miller, William L....139. 

Milligan, James 146. 

Milligan, W. S....244. 
Mills, W. H....220. 

Means, John H 1.31. 

Means, Robert J.... 130. 
Meghran , H . J 21 5. 



Metropolitan Coal Co.... 208. 
Mullen, Thos. A.... 87. 
Mullin & Co.... 189. 
Murphy, M. A., W. H., Jas. 

J.... 194. 

Murray, Geo. F. H 157. 

Murray & Treguntha — 185. 

Naphen', Henry F 85. 

Neal, John C....206. 
Nichols, J. Oarleton....94. 
Nichols, A. R....77. 
Nichols, W. W....235. 
Norton, Joseph J — 93. 

O' Callaghan, Denis 74. 

O'Hare. J. Frank. .. .240. 
Olnin, S. J.... 202. 
Packard, Lib. D.. M. D....9S. 
Paige, Milton C....1.50. 
Park, F. E....99. 

Patterson, Geo. J 77. 

Perkins, E. A.... 235. 

Perkins Institutiom 252. 

Pe t erson, Peter 1 09. 

Pettingill, U. K....137. 
Parker, Geo. N....1.38. 
Phillips, Thos. F....218. 
Pierce. D. M....103. 
Prendergast, D. L....243. 

Proctor, George 156. 

Provan,, Robt.... 119. 

Population 50. 

Posit Office.... 248. 
Powers, Edw. J.... 80. 
Quinn, P. F....217. 
Quirk. W. H....229. 
Raymond, R. S. W....79. 
Rush Bros.... 219 and Add. 
Rose, James W....221. 
Russell, D. B., Works.... 18S. 
Russell, Jas, B. W. Co.... 180. 
Schools.... 51-64. 
Shales & May.... 186. 
Shields, Rev. A. B....255. 
Shi]) Building.... 18-35. 
S(icieii,.s....l(;-48. 

So'ii h i; .Sinn Iron Co 34. 

Sniiih Kdsion Storage Ware- 

hiiiis,- Co. ...192. 
S.iiiili i:os;un Yacht Club, 



w 



. 26. 



Soutlur. John. ...110. 
Si'anish War.... 50. 
Spinney, E. R....152. 
Stark, James H....132. 
Stebbins, Oliver B....108. 
Stetson. A. M., res.... 84. 
Stone, W. P.... 179. 
Sullivan, D. F....239. 

Sullivan. John M 211!. 

Tavlor Brothers 211. 

Tibbeitts, J. C....207. 
Toml>s. B. F....1.38. 
Trae\-. E. A.... 242. 
Tieadwell. H. 'S....250. 
^'an Stone, Charles 1.33. 



W 



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rininias F 


W. 


1 1 1 X 1 1 1 L 


[>■<: A. F. 


W; 


ilw oil 


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.160 



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20. 



Wllit.. ll;,vi,l L....S(>. 

Wheel, r. lOilward J 221. 

W i-c, Samuel H....139. 
Weiiils, S. A., F. T....169. 
Woodward. Joseph. . . .33. 
Yacht C\uh Houses. .. .45. 
Yachting — 41. 



advp:rtisf:ments. 




Mr. M. J. Moloney is one of the best 
known photographers of Boston. He 
has been located in his present attractive 
studio for the past twenty years, where 
he has among his pictures many of the 
best families of the city. He is a practi- 
cal operator and his experience in both 
inside and outdoor work enables him to 
obtain the best possible results. His 
success in business demonstrates his 
aptitude for the line he pursues and his 
work compares favorably with the best 
in the country. Many young photogra- 
phers, now cloing a successful business 
for themselves, learned the rudiments of 
the art of photography under his careful 
instruction. Having resided in South 
Boston for the past twenty-two years he 
is both well known and popular in this 
district; and specimens at his studio, 22 
Hanover street, show that a goodly 



number of the best people of this vicinity 
have favored him with their patronage. 
Mr. Moloney is a member of the South 
Boston Citizens' Association as well as 
many other social organizations and is 
an esteemed and interested resident. 




"KICK t)K CHAkl.KS S. IIDRINS. 



H. M. PLIMPTON & CO. 

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294 WASHINGTON STREET BOSTON 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



The Illustrations made 
for this History were 
Engraved by the SUF 
FOLK ENGRAVING 



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Boston Massachusetts 

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W PRINTING of the highest class for mod- 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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